FSIS Issues Final Rule Revising the Accredited Laboratory Program
Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Roger Sockman
WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2008 - The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) today
announced revised and consolidated standards and procedures for the accreditation of non-Federal analytical
chemistry laboratories.
Laboratories in the Accredited Laboratory Program (ALP)
are accredited to analyze official meat and poultry samples for chemical residues and for moisture, protein,
fat, and salt.
FSIS is amending its current regulations to accommodate the adoption of newer methods for analyzing chemical
residues and provide clarification. In addition, revisions will reflect Agency reorganizations and program
changes, and improve the clarity and consistency of application for all laboratories participating in the ALP.
The final rule
will consolidate the current regulations to describe the conditions under which FSIS will
revoke or suspend a laboratory's accreditation for reasons associated with violations of law.
This rule will be effective Oct. 9, 2008.
For further information contact Eugene Vickers, Sr., Chief of the ALP, Office of Public Health Science,
FSIS, at (202) 690-6407, fax (202) 690-6632, or by mail at: Box 17 Aerospace Center, Room 377,
901 D Street SW, Washington, DC 20024.
