Microbiological Data Program

The Microbiological Data Program (MDP) was a national food-borne pathogen monitoring program that operated from 2001 to 2012.  Through cooperation with State agriculture departments and other Federal agencies, MDP managed the sampling, testing, and reporting of food-borne pathogens on selected agricultural commodities.

In 2001, USDA was charged with implementing a monitoring program to collect information regarding the incidence, number, and species of important foodborne pathogens and indicator organisms on domestic and imported fresh fruit and vegetables.  AMS was appointed to undertake the creation and implementation of such a program, known as the Microbiological Data Program (MDP). MDP began collecting and analyzing samples in April 2001. MDP operations ended in December 2012 due to the elimination of program funding.

The data generated from MDP are available to Federal and State Public Health agencies and industry for food safety decision-making purposes, risk modeling, and trend analyses.

If you would like additional information or have questions about the Microbiological Data Program, please contact the Monitoring Programs Division staff by e-mail at: amsmpo.data@usda.gov

Additional Information