Alaska Environmental Health Laboratory's continued and enhanced participation in the Integrated Food Safety System (IFSS).

ASEHL Project Summary-Overall SFY26-30 The Alaska State Environmental Health Laboratory (ASEHL) aims to enhance its involvement in microbiological and chemical human food product testing (HFPT) in support of an integrated food safety system (IFSS) including ongoing support and partnership with Alaska's state regulatory program (SRP), the Food Safety and Sanitation (FSS) program. Given Alaska's unique geographical challenges, including significant transportation distances and risks of temperature abuse, ASEHL's role is critical in ensuring food safety. The laboratory will focus on increasing its capabilities by adding new methods to its ISO scope and verifying additional matrices. ASEHL's strategic location makes it a prime candidate for ongoing monitoring of contaminants deposited from external industrialized areas and gamma radiation from Fukushima in the Rad-FD track. Anchorage's status as a major global cargo hub further underscores the importance of local testing capabilities. By maintaining and enhancing ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, ASEHL will continue to provide scientifically valid and legally defensible data, supporting both state and federal food safety programs. This project will improve customer service, reduce turnaround times, and ensure Alaska remains prepared and equipped for all capable food testing, benefiting both local and global food safety efforts.