Food & nutrition

News and Updates

Ileana Pazos sits and smiles for a photo next to scientific equipment. She's holding tweezers next to the machine.

Spotlight: Research Chemist Ileana Pazos’ Radiant Role in Longer-Lasting, Safer Imported Foods

March 24, 2023

Fruits and vegetables brought in from outside the country first require health and foodborne pathogen inspections. NIST research chemist Ileana Pazos helps the

Picture of jars containing reference materials 8256, 8257, 8258, and 8259: Wild caught and aquacultured shrimp and salmon

Four NIST Reference Materials Help Authenticate Shrimp and Salmon

July 28, 2022

Four reference materials from NIST will help the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Customs and Border Protection agencies assess whether imported salmon and

Two open glass containers hold powder, one brown and one wite, with half-filled plastic scoops next to each.

NIST Tree Nut Reference Materials Support Food Allergen Testing

June 6, 2022

Researchers from NIST have developed hazelnut and almond flour reference materials that will help ensure accurate and consistent results for industry test kits.

Projects and Programs

Fundamental Chemical Metrology

Ongoing

The Chemical Sciences Division serves as the Nation's reference laboratory for chemical compositional measurements and standards to enhance U.S. industry's

Development of Methods for Measurement of Vitamin D and its Metabolites in Foods, Fortified Foods, and Dietary Supplements

Ongoing

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for bone health. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with muscle weakness and osteoporosis and can

NIST PS1 Primary Standard for quantitative NMR (Benzoic Acid)

Ongoing

The "first-of-its-kind" in an entirely new class of reference material, NIST PS1 Primary Standard for quantitative NMR (Benzoic Acid) is now available! The PS

photo collage of meats, cheese, eggs, fish, and shellfish

NIST Food Safety Program

Ongoing

A multi-disciplinary team is helping to ensure food safety and authenticity.

Publications

Mercury Accumulation and Biomarkers of Exposure in Two Popular Recreational Fishes in Hawaiian Waters

July 25, 2023

Author(s)

Stephanie D. Holbert, Colleen E. Bryan Sallee, Keith Korsmeyer, Brenda A. Jensen

Mercury (Hg) exposure has not been examined in many recreational nearshore fish species that are commonly consumed around the Hawaiian Islands. Specific gene

Using skin mucus for the identification of ovulation biomarkers in North American Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

June 4, 2023

Author(s)

Tracey Schock, Ashley Boggs-Russell, Erin Legacki, Brian Peterson, Heather Hamlin, Melissa Milligan

In Maine, North American Atlantic salmon production has experienced a 20% decrease in the eye-up rate of embryos. The maternal endocrine environment is

Food Nutrition and Safety Measurements Quality Assurance Program: Exercise 1 Final Report

May 18, 2023

Author(s)

Colleen E. Bryan Sallee, Melissa M. Phillips, Charles Barber, Carolyn Burdette, Laura Wood, Shaun Kotoski

The Food Nutrition and Safety Measurements Quality Assurance Program (FNSQAP) was launched in 2021. FNSQAP was established to assist laboratories in the

Food Nutrition and Safety Measurements Quality Assurance Program: Exercise 1 Final Report

March 22, 2023

Author(s)

Colleen E. Bryan Sallee, Melissa M. Phillips, Charles Barber, Carolyn Burdette, Shaun Kotoski, Laura Wood

The Food Nutrition and Safety Measurements Quality Assurance Program (FNSQAP) was launched in 2021. FNSQAP was established to assist laboratories in the