Federal Cooperative Agreement Summary

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) awarded a Cooperative Agreement totaling $660,000 to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Division of Food Safety, under the FDA Research program (CFDA 93.103). The agreement, effective September 20, 2025, with an ultimate completion date of June 30, 2030, supports the FDA Laboratory Flexible Funding Model (LFFM) to enhance the capacity and capabilities of Florida's state human food testing laboratories. FDACS will provide sample testing services in microbiology and chemistry for human food products, along with food defense testing and surveillance activities conducted within the state.

The primary deliverables include laboratory testing services performed by FDACS's Division of Food Safety, which operates both the Bureau of Food Inspection (sampling organization) and state laboratories responsible for human food product analysis. Through enhanced collaboration with the FDA, FDACS will conduct surveillance testing that strengthens the nationally integrated food safety laboratory science system, helping prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers and supporting risk assessment and control strategies. The initiative also encompasses participation in special projects that expand testing capabilities, leveraging FDACS's existing infrastructure and expertise in Tallahassee to support the broader Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS).