AMS’ Laboratory Approval Service (LAS) approves, or accredits, labs to perform microbiological testing of frozen, cooked, diced chicken procured for the Federal Purchase Program. This program is limited to the analysis of aerobic plate counts, coliform counts, coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, generic Escherichia coli, Salmonella species, and Listeria monocytogenes in frozen, cooked, diced chicken only.
Laboratory Approval Program requirements for microbiological testing include good laboratory, quality assurance and control practices, applicable domestic and international standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025:2005), proficiency testing, established methods and accepted equipment, and on-site audits. Laboratories voluntarily participate and pay program fees.
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Specific Program Requirements for LAP-Microbiological Testing for FPP (pdf)
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Official Listing of LAP-Microbiological USDA-Approved Laboratories (Business Listing) (pdf)
For more information, contact:
Kerry R. Smith, Ph.D., Director
Laboratory Approval and Testing Division
Science & Technology Program
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 3531-S
Washington, DC 20250-0272
Phone: (202) 690-0621
KerryR.Smith@ams.usda.gov
Additional Resources
USDA Foods meet high standards for quality and wholesomeness and must be produced and processed according to detailed USDA specifications. For more information on the Federal Purchase Program, visit AMS’ website on selling food to USDA. Also, visit AMS’ Product Specifications & Requirements website to review the current Federal Purchase Program Specification for Diced Chicken.