The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will hold an informational webinar on Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 1:00–2:30 P.M. ET on the new Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program. The LAAF program establishes a laboratory accreditation program for the testing of food under certain circumstances.

The webinar will provide an overview of the LAAF program and aspects of its implementation that are most relevant to accreditation bodies and laboratories seeking to participate in the program. FDA will answer pre-submitted questions and will also take questions during the webinar.

The LAAF final rule was published on December 3, 2021. Under the LAAF program, FDA will recognize accreditation bodies that may accredit laboratories to the standards established in the final rule. The final rule specifies eligibility requirements that LAAF-participating accreditation bodies and laboratories will need to satisfy, as well as procedures for how FDA will manage and oversee the program. In certain circumstances, owners and consignees will be required to use a LAAF-accredited laboratory for food testing. FDA will maintain an online public registry that lists recognized accredited bodies and LAAF-accredited laboratories.

The LAAF program is intended to improve the accuracy and reliability of certain food testing through the use of uniform standards and enhanced FDA oversight of participating laboratories.

To register for the webinar and to submit a question in advance, please visit the registration page. The webinar will also be recorded and posted to the meeting page.