Increasing the Capability and Capacity of Microbiological and Chemical Testing to Support an Integrated Food Defense and Food Safety System Chemistry Discipline, Capability / Capacity Development Analytical Track Project Summary / Abstract The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) Consumer Protection Laboratory (CPL) proposes incorporate an allergen screening method developed by the FDA into their laboratory as a routine screening method for human food products. The xMAP Food Allergen Detection Assay (xMAP FADA) kit innovates by working through a multiplex assay technology rather than more conventional ELISA technology; benefits include the ability to test for multiple allergens simultaneously and reduces the potential for a false positive through cross-reactivity of proteins across different kits. ODA-CPL has developed a plan for the first project year to purchase, install and develop the method with the end goal to authorize an analyst on its use for routine surveillance of human food products to supplement the state sampling program as well as LFFM’s human food testing analytical track. As part of the process, ODA-CPL will enroll in a proficiency testing scheme as part of its test of competency and develop written standard operating procedures for incorporation into the laboratory’s quality program. The laboratory will update its laboratory information management system to include the new test and a cost analysis per sample will be performed. ODA-CPL intends to continue applying for similar capability and capacity development projects as the FDA continues to offer them assuming ODA-CPL’s current personnel, technology and equipment and workflow is compatible with the project.