Research Programs

The cooperative research programs of JIFSAN will provide the scientific expertise and mechanisms for exchange of technical information and scientific concepts in food safety, human nutrition and animal health and production for use by both the public and private sectors to ensure the continued safety and wholesomeness of the food supply. The research programs will lead to the development of new standards, including analytical methods, and will reflect current needs in food safety and applied nutrition as well as provide opportunities for fundamental research in the forefront of science and technology to support sound food safety policy. A long-term proactive problem-solving approach will permit the FDA to respond quickly to crisis situations through a rapid mobilization of scientists to obtain information to facilitate responses.

Risk Analysis

Conducting advanced research in risk analysis (i.e., incorporating risk assessment, management, and communication components) will promote the development of risk-based, scientifically supportable safety standards. These standards can deliver the intended degree of measurable public health protection and can be used to identify priorities in order to more effectively apply available resources. Research associated with risk analysis will deal with human exposure to microbial pathogens (i.e., known and emerging), natural toxins (e.g., mycotoxins), and other chemical compounds (e.g., chemical contaminants, pesticides, and animal drug residues) through the food supply and development of improved and new exposure models

• identification and measurement of biomarkers
  
  
• development of dose-response assessment models, including toxicokinetics models and computer data analysis and modeling
  
  
• development and evaluation of risk management paradigms
  
  
• development and evaluation of risk communication paradigms
  

Microbial Pathogens and Toxins

Advanced research in microbial pathogens and toxins will provide support for implementation of sound reliable public health policies such as Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) programs that are directed toward reducing exposure to microbial hazards in the food supply. Research at JIFSAN will include continued studies of emerging (evolving) pathogens and virulence factors, the development of improved methods of detection for pathogenic organisms and microbial toxins, and studies on pathogen prevention and control.

• development and validation of improved methods for rapid testing

• development and validation of improved methods for more accurate identification and characterization

• investigation of how foodborne micro-organisms adapt to their environments

Food Composition and Applied Nutrition

A comprehensive, integrated program of study of food composition related to safety and applied nutrition will provide the necessary data to establish sound food safety and applied nutrition policies. Research will include new or continued studies of trace element bioavailability, special dietary needs (particularly susceptible populations), beneficial non-nutritive components, dietary supplements, detection of potential human health hazards (e.g., toxic elements) in the food supply; development of analytical methods required for compliance with the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, and studies on the natural variation and variation caused from different processing techniques that may be encountered as new foods or dietary supplements are introduced to the diet.

• development and validation of new and/or improved analytical methods

• investigations on the bioavailability of food components

• investigations on the composition of foods
  

Animal Health Sciences and Food Safety

Advanced research in animal health sciences and food safety will provide the necessary data to establish and support public health policies in regulating animal drugs, food additives, feeds, and veterinary medical devices. These products promote animal production, and food derived from treated animals must be safe for consumers. Research will include new and continuing studies on reducing contamination of feed; evaluation of the safety and efficacy of new animal drugs and veterinary medical devices; and detecting drug residues in animal-derived food products.

• development and validation of improved analytical methods

• development of methodologies, procedures and/or models for the evaluation of safety and/or efficacy

• investigations of pathogen reduction in animal-derived food including studies of antibiotic resistance