ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Accreditation for State Food Testing Laboratories (U18)

The intended outcome of this FOA is for microbiological and chemical food analyses performed on behalf of State manufactured food regulatory programs to be conducted within the scope of an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited laboratory and the goal of achieving a nationally integrated food safety system to be further advanced. This will be accomplished by preparing the primary food testing laboratories for State manufactured food regulatory programs to achieve and maintain ISO/IEC 17025:2005 laboratory accreditation. Currently accredited laboratories will also be prepared for accreditation enhancements. Increased laboratory analyses from ISO/IEC 17025:2005 accredited labs, as would be accomplished through this cooperative agreement, will in effect serve to increase the analytical capacity for FDA and enhance efforts to protect the food supply. Data generated by recipient laboratories shall be made available for consideration of FDA enforcement actions as well as for surveillance purposes and during response to foodborne outbreaks through eLEXNET. Laboratory accreditation will also assist State manufactured food regulatory programs in achieving conformance with the Manufactured Food Regulatory Program Standards (MFRPS).