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Food Safety and Inspection
Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 |
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Food Safety and Inspection
Service United States Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C. 20250-3700 |
Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113; FAX: (202) 690-0460
Katrine Pritchard
WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2002—The U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service today announced that its Microbial Outbreaks and Special Projects Branch laboratory in Athens, Ga. has recently received accreditation under ISO Standard 17025. This standard is internationally recognized as a comprehensive and rigorous standard for food testing laboratories.
“Standardization encourages uniform laboratory practices,” said Margaret Glavin, FSIS acting administrator. “ISO accreditation under Standard 17025 is regarded as the highest international standard for food testing laboratories and many of our international trade partners recognize this standard.”
Accreditation was granted by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation, the accrediting body in the United States recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO Standard 17025 has numerous specific requirements including detailed descriptions of all laboratory activities, extensive documentation of all laboratory techniques, proof of analytical competency, and proof that the laboratory is explicitly following all policies and procedures.
FSIS initiated the accreditation process three years ago. The agency has created a quality manual and more than 400 work instructions detailing the procedures used in each laboratory. All laboratory staff was trained in ISO and quality managers and supervisors received ISO auditors training.
The Microbial Outbreaks and Special Projects Branch laboratory conducts tests involved in foodborne illness outbreaks and tests new methods or equipment that may be implemented in the agency’s three regulatory laboratories located in Athens, Ga., St. Louis, Mo., and Alameda, Calif.
“The Microbial Outbreaks and Special Projects laboratory plays an important role in FSIS’ food safety mission,” said Glavin. “The laboratory provides crucial support to FSIS and other agencies involved in the investigation of foodborne illness outbreaks. The special projects laboratory evaluates new equipment and testing methods that may be implemented in the three regulatory laboratories and ensures that staff are properly trained in these methods.”
The three FSIS regulatory laboratories have been audited by the American Association for Laboratory Accreditation. FSIS anticipates that these laboratories will obtain ISO Standard 17025 Accreditation in early 2002.
FSIS is responsible for ensuring that meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled. As part of that responsibility, FSIS conducts verification testing to monitor microbiological, chemical, and other types of contamination.
For Further Information, Contact:
FSIS Congressional and Public Affairs Staff
Phone: (202) 720-9113
Fax: (202) 690-0460