Agricultural Laboratory
The Kansas Department of Agriculture's laboratory program supports the department's other programs. Feed samples are analyzed for protein, minerals, drugs and antibiotics in support of the Agricultural Commodities Assurance Program. This is done to ensure label guarantees. Also, some feed samples are screened for prohibited materials in support of our bovine spongiform encephalopathy prevention effort.
Meat and poultry samples are analyzed in two areas. They are analyzed for protein, fat and moisture to ensure label guarantees are met. Raw ground samples are analyzed for Salmonella and ready-to-eat samples are analyzed for Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes. Test results indicate the cleanliness of the plant from which samples are taken. Recently raw ground samples are being tested for the presence of E.coli O157:H7.
For the Dairy Inspection program, raw milk samples are tested for excessive bacteria, excessive somatic cells, antibiotics and excessive water. Any of these conditions will result in warnings to the milk producer. Finished dairy products also are tested for bacteria, coliform, antibiotics and complete pasteurization.
In support of the Pesticide and Fertilizer program, fertilizer samples are analyzed for nitrogen, phosphorus and potash, plus metals, if they are present. This is done to ensure label guarantees are met. Pesticide samples are tested in response to consumer complaints. The pesticides are extracted from various matrices such as soil, vegetation, water or even articles of clothing. Pesticide samples also are received from producers and analyzed to ensure label guarantees are met.