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United States Department of Agriculture
Washington, D.C.  20250-3700 

Office of Policy, Program Development and Evaluation

Meat and Poultry Advisory Committee Staff

 

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National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection

November 14 - 15, 2001

Briefing Paper: Overview of the FSIS Laboratories

 

Purpose

This briefing will provide the Committee with an overview of the structure, function, and capabilities of the FSIS laboratories. The Committee also will learn about recent and ongoing laboratory activities designed to improve the efficiency, competency, and credibility of the laboratories.

Main Points

  • Regulatory laboratories must be held to high standards of quality and service.

  • Results must be scientifically sound and legally defensible.

  • FSIS laboratories will soon obtain accreditation under ISO Standard 17025.

  • A Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is being installed.

  • LEARN, an electronic data reporting system, is fully implemented.

  • Conversion to electronic sample submission forms is underway.

  • FSIS is focusing on sample discards and reducing turnaround times.

  • Increased efficiency, including the use of robotics systems, is being emphasized.

  • Efforts are underway to identify and adapt new technologies and methodologies.

  • Standardization and exchange of laboratory data are being emphasized.

  • Cooperative agreement with AOAC on method validation is in effect.

  • The laboratories have a role in response to bio-terrorism.

 

Contact Person

Dr. Patrick C. McCaskey
Assistant Deputy Administrator
USDA, FSIS, Office of Public Health and Science
950 College Station Road
Athens, Georgia  30605
(706) 546-3420
(706) 546-3428 facsimile

 

 

For Further Information Contact:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Food Safety and Inspection Service
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Room 615 - Cotton Annex
Washington, DC  20250
Fax:  (202) 205-0157
E-mail:  NACMPI
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Last modified:  November 25, 2002