Center for Specialty Programs
CSP Center Director
Robin Kalinowski, MS
The Center for Specialty Programs administers key specialized programs, including customized laboratory proficiency testing services for all stakeholders. This IFSH center also manages the development and oversight of government project contracts with US FDA, USDA, Department of Homeland Security, and other regulatory agencies associated with food protection and nutrition.
For more information on how the IFSH Center for Specialty Programs can add value to your organization, please contact:
Armand Paradis, Director, Business Development
708.563.8175 (office)
708.821.8615 (mobile)
Proficiency Testing Program
The proficiency testing program at the Institute for Food Safety and Health produces proficiency testing (PT) samples for both FDA and USDA food safety programs. The center also manages the food chemistry and microbiology proficiency testing programs for the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN). Laboratory performance is tested by challenging analysts with simulated samples to test within their normal operating conditions in order to produce an interlaboratory comparison.
The Food Emergency Response Network was formed to successfully unite federal, state and local laboratories in the detection, response and recovery from national food emergencies, including bioterrorism. This work benefits our nation by testing the analytical and response capabilities of the FERN laboratories so that they are prepared to respond effectively in the case of an actual food emergency.
Capabilities
- Inoculate virtually any food product including powders, water and fresh produce samples.
- Target any level of inoculation, including extremely low levels, in order to test the limits of detection for specific methods.
- Tailor PT samples to meet the different parameters of testing procedures, including cultural, immunoassay and molecular methods.
IFSH expects to make proficiency testing services available to food industry members in the future. As the PT program expands, the laboratory will enter the process of ISO 17043 certification and expects to offer additional analytical capabilities, such as freeze dried proficiency testing samples.
Government Contracts
IFSH handles a variety of specialized government research contracts for a number of US food protection and nutrition regulatory bodies, including FDA CFSAN, USDA and the Department of Homeland Security.