The Idaho Bureau of Laboratories is a member of the Food Emergency Response Network. The laboratory is working to implement Food and Drug Administration methods useful in screening samples for chemical contaminants. Once screening methods are established, samples will be accepted from District Health Departments and law enforcement agencies.
Potentially hazardous samples, such as those related to criminal investigations, must always be collected and field screened by authorized HazMat teams prior to submission at IBL. Emergency activation of IBL occurs through Idaho's emergency communications system. Preliminary identification of toxicants in food samples will be confirmed at partner food laboratories when possible.