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FDA competition offers $500,000 for new ideas in Salmonella detection
The FDA announced an open competition aimed at developing innovative approaches toward contamination detection, according to a press release.
Under the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which grants federal agencies the authority to conduct such competitions, the 2014 FDA Food Safety Challenge offers a total prize pool of $500,000 to contestants whose entries are selected for consideration.
“We are thrilled to announce the FDA’s first incentive prize competition under the America COMPETES Act,” Michael Taylor, deputy commissioner for foods and veterinary medicine at the FDA, said in a press release. “This is an exciting opportunity for the federal government to collaborate with outside experts to bring forth breakthrough ideas and technologies that can help ensure quicker detection of problems in our food supply and help prevent foodborne illnesses.”
Submitted concepts are required to address Salmonella detection in minimally processed fresh produce; however, flexibility with other microbial pathogens or foods also is encouraged. Entries will be judged by a panel of experts from the FDA, CDC and US Department of Agriculture.
The competition is open for submissions until Nov. 9. Up to five submitters will be selected to advance as finalists, awarded $20,000 and given the opportunity to be coached by FDA representatives before presenting a final proposal.
For more information:
A complete list of competition rules and concept submission can be found at www.foodsafetychallenge.com.