The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) operates a comprehensive food safety program that focuses on ensuring the accuracy and reliability of food testing laboratories across the United States. Their mission is to support the U.S. food industry’s competitiveness and public safety by providing advanced analytical chemistry and quantitative biology services.
Key aspects of NIST’s food safety program include:
1. Developing food-matrix reference materials for laboratories to maintain accuracy and quality in chemical and microbial analysis
2. Offering or developing 30 reference materials for specific chemical contaminants in various food commodities, such as milk powder, wheat flour, and almond flour
3. Partnering with industry groups like AOAC, Consumer Brands, and NIH ODS to align services and improve food safety standards
These efforts are crucial for maintaining the integrity of food testing results and ensuring the safety of the nation’s food supply.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/mml/csd/primary-focus-areas/food/food-safety
Keywords: Metrology, Reference materials, Measurement services
