Kansas Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards Maintenance

Kansas State Department Of Agriculture, Topeka KS

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract The Kansas Department of Agriculture Dairy and Feed Safety Program (KDADFS) aims to help create a national, fully integrated food safety system by maintaining full conformance with the Animal Food Regulatory Program Standards (AFRPS). The program standards establish a uniform foundation for the design and management of state regulatory programs. Through self- assessment, planning, training, auditing, compliance, and outreach, KDADFS will improve and enhance its risk-based animal food safety program. The Kansas Department of Agriculture Laboratory (KDAL) serves as the primary testing laboratory for KDADFS and plays an integral part in maintaining the Laboratory Service Standard found in the AFRPS. KDAL will produce data of sufficient quality to be defensible when used in enforcement situations. Under the current version of ISO/IEC 17025, KDAL will provide a comprehensive system to ensure quality analytical results. The accreditation attests the competency and technical capabilities of a laboratory's ability to perform tasks and supports the traceability of data generated. The data is defensible to an internationally recognized standard that is independent of laboratory personnel or influences. State animal food laboratory accreditation to the current version of ISO/IEC 17025 will play a vital role in achieving the goal of having an integrated food safety system.