Project Number: 1935-42000-055-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jan 19, 2006
End Date: Jan 18, 2011

Objective:
The objectives include: 1) To develop laboratory-based multiclass, multiresidue analytical methods for veterinary drugs in animal-derived foods, feeds, and marker matrices (e.g., tissues, blood, urine); 2) to develop field-based instruments and methods for analytical screening of chemicals of food safety/security concern (or nutritional interest) in foods; 3) to develop field-portable and laboratory-based analytical methods for the screening and reliable identification of biotoxins and phytochemicals in foods; 4) devise a scientifically defensible and practical system to evaluate qualitative identification of chemical residues in complex matrices; and 5) employ and adapt progressive analytical concepts previously developed for pesticides (QuEChERS and related approaches) to meet other food safety and security applications (e.g. dioxins).

Approach:
The project involves the application and evaluation of rapid and sensitive lab-based approaches to dependably detect mutliple veterinary drug classes in animal-derived foods predominantly using atmospheric pressure ionization/tandem mass spectrometry. Similarly, for multiple chemical residues and toxins in meats, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and grains, the approach involves the development and evaluation of rapid lab-based quantitative and confirmatory analytical approaches predominatly using as chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Furthermore, field-based screening techniques for chemical contaminants in foods at tolerance levels will be developed. The results obtained by these novel methods will be compared to those obtained by traditional techniques currently in use.