Discipline A: Microbiology, Analytical Track 2: Human Food Product Testing

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Project Summary/Abstract - Microbiology: Analytical Track #2 : Human Food Product Testing: The State Hygienic Laboratory’s (SHL) participation in this project contributes to the overall objective of the grant by contributing to a risk-based and prevention focused food safety system that both FDA and SHL’s State of Iowa partners (Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals and the Iowa Department of Public Health) can utilize. In addition, test results generated can be used to remove adulterated food from commerce and aide regulatory inspection programs in conducting investigations. The specific aims of this project are as follows: • Participate in the large single commodity/hazard pair analysis by testing 200 fresh produce samples for multiple pathogens: Salmonella, Shiga-toxin Escherichia coli (STEC) and Cyclospora (only 40 of these samples tested for Cyclospora). • Test two other commodities of interest to both FDA and SHL that have contributed to outbreaks recently; 25 ready to eat cereal for Salmonella and 25 assorted precut melons for Salmonella, STEC, and Listeria species • Participate in FDA-requested exercises to support and maintain readiness. • Participate in national special security event exercises, as available. • Participate in testing associated with suspected or credible threats to the food supply where a microbiological agent is suspected, as requested by FDA. Successful completion of this project will help the FDA enhance its nationally integrated food safety system and will strengthen its efforts to detect, prevent, and minimize foodborne exposures and ultimately reduce foodborne illness. This project will also be beneficial to SHL to improve its capability and capacity for testing large volumes of produce for a variety of pathogens, teach additional staff members these methods (especially Cyclospora), continue to work various processes with Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals on sample collection and chain of custody which is crucial during outbreaks. Any pathogens that are found will also be DNA fingerprinted by whole genome sequencing and this data utilized statewide by IDPH and nationally by FDA for rapid outbreak detection and source identification to reduce foodborne illness.