GIPSA LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PROGRAM AND TEST KIT EVALUATION U.S. Department of Agriculture, Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration (GIPSA) intends to offer two new programs: 1) Laboratory Accreditation and 2) Test Kit evaluation, both in the area of identifying biotechnology-derived grains. GIPSA's Laboratory Accreditation Program is designed to review laboratories performing testing of bulk grains for the presence of biotechnology-derived grains (corn, soybeans, wheat, etc.) and to accredit laboratories that meet GIPSA performance standards. GIPSA's Test Kit Evaluation Program is designed to evaluate test kits with respect to meeting the manufacturer's performance specifications for determining the presence of biotechnology-derived grains (corn, soybeans, wheat, etc.) in bulk grain. GIPSA invites testing laboratories in the United States and manufacturers of commercially available test kits marketed and sold in the U.S. to participate in these voluntary programs. These programs will be managed by GIPSA's Technical Center located in Kansas City, Missouri. A fee will be assessed for laboratories requesting accreditation and for manufacturers submitting test kits for evaluation. Inquiries for these two programs must be submitted to the Technical Services Division (TSD) of GIPSA: Donald Kendall, Chief Analytical, Reference, and Testing Services Branch USDA GIPSA TSD 10383 N. Executive Hills Blvd. Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1394 dkendall@gipsakc.usda.gov E-MAIL: </snote>, dkendall@gipsakc.usda.gov. Posted 05/05/00 (W-SN451874).

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