Accredited Laboratory Program
The FSIS Accredited Laboratory Program (ALP) accredits non-federal analytical laboratories for testing meat, poultry, and egg products. Accreditations are available for food chemistry, chemical residues, and microbiology analyses. Food chemistry accreditations include moisture, protein, fat, and salt (MPFS) content, and residue analyses include chlorinated pesticides (CP) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Microbiological accreditations are available for the analysis of Aerobic Count (AC) and Salmonella qualitative identification with the option to include further characterization accreditations for serotyping and whole genome sequencing (WGS).
The ALP has expanded accreditation offerings as authorized in a final rule effective on October 24, 2022. The ALP is now accepting applications for accreditations for presence/absence, serotyping, and WGS of Salmonella, Aerobic Count (AC), and presence/absence of penicillin.
The ALP administers proficiency test (PT) sample events in support of this program. The ALP is accredited to the ISO 17043 standard as a PT Provider | Certificate of ISO 17043 Accreditation. The ALP is also accredited to the ISO 17034 standard as a Reference Material Producer | Certificate of ISO 17034 Accreditation.
- View the list of accredited laboratories
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ALP is authorized by the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Section 9, Parts 439 and 391.
The requirements for accreditation are contained in 9 CFR, Part 439 and 391. In addition, there are operational instructions and procedures that need to be followed. Some of the requirements are:
- Submission of FSIS Form 10,110-2, Application for FSIS Accredited Laboratory Program
- Payment of Accreditation Fees
- Adequate Facilities and Equipment
- Personnel Qualifications
- Sample Control, Sample Integrity
- Records Management
- Test Report Content and Format
- Use of Official and Approved Analytical Methods
- Random on-site Review and Audit of Facilities
- Participation in Proficiency Testing Programs
- Testing: Accreditation is limited to chemical and microbial testing of meat, poultry, and egg food products. When accredited, the analytical laboratory may be used in lieu of an FSIS laboratory for analyzing official regulatory samples.
- Availability: The Accredited Laboratory Program is voluntary and there is a non-refundable accreditation fee. Currently, the annual fee is $5,000 for the first analyte class accreditation, $2,900 for the second, and $2,100 for each additional analyte class accreditation. These fees cover the costs of administering the program, including regularly scheduled on-site reviews and the proficiency test samples.
- Accreditation Frequency: Accreditation is continuous. However, accreditation will be withdrawn if the laboratory fails to meet the requirements of the rules in 9 CFR or if the required accreditation fees are not paid.
- Recommended Procedures: The Accredited Laboratory Program recommends that participating laboratories follow standardizing procedures. Appropriate standards include Good Laboratory Practices and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Guide 17025. Reference methods for chemical testing can be found in the the Chemistry Laboratory Guidebook (CLG). Reference methods for microbial testing can be found in the Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG).
- Proficiency Testing Program: Participation in the FSIS check sample program is required for both the initial and continued accreditation.
- Logo: There are no logos. However, the accredited laboratory may claim that it is USDA-FSIS Accredited for specific analysis of meat and poultry products.
- Recognition: ALP is recognized by all Federal and State Government agencies dealing with meat and poultry inspection. Some foreign countries also recognize it.
The tables below present a schedule for the estimated sample shipping and results reporting dates for participating laboratories.
Event reports are available within eight calendar days after the event results due date.
Dates are approximate and are subject to change.
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| Ship Date | Results Due | Ship Date | Results Due |
| January 6 | January 30 | February 3 | February 27 |
| March 3 | March 27 | March 31 | April 24 |
| May 5 | May 29 | June 2 | June 26 |
| June 30 | July 24 | August 4 | August 28 |
| September 1 | September 25 | October 6 | October 30 |
| November 3 | November 26 | December 1 | December 24 |
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| Ship Date | Results Due | Ship Date | Results Due |
| February 3 | March 3 | February 3 | February 27 |
| May 5 | June 2 | May 5 | May 29 |
| August 4 | September 2 | August 4 | August 28 |
| November 3 | December 1 | November 3 | November 26 |
ALP is administered by the Office of Public Health and Science, FSIS.
Mail and packages for the Accredited Laboratory Program should be addressed to: Accredited Laboratory Program, Russell Research Center, Ste. PB-4, 950 College Station Rd., Athens, GA 30605.
Email inquiries and suggestions can be sent to: ALP@usda.gov.
To reach a team member of the Accredited Laboratory Program please email FSIS-ALP-users@usda.gov.
