SC-DHEC PHL – Whole Genome Sequencing The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Public Health Laboratory intends to work to enhance capacity and capabilities for foodborne outbreak response through the Laboratory Flexible Funding Cooperative Agreement. The SC Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory will enhance the GenomeTrakr network by using standard protocols for WGS to sequencing non-clinical pathogens across FDA-relevant areas in human and animal food, environmental, and water samples. Four hundred isolates consisting of Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes, and E.coli from food, feed, and environmental sources will be obtained and sequenced from the University of Georgia’s Center for Food Safety. This data will capture current and evolving genomic diversity and allow for real-time comparison and analysis that will allow for quicker identification and response to foodborne outbreaks. This will contribute to the establishment of a nationally integrated food safety system to make the public’s food supply safer and more secure.