Microbiological Data Program (MDP)

What is it?

The Microbiological Data Program (MDP) is a national food-borne pathogen database program implemented in 2001.  Through cooperation with State Agriculture departments and other Federal agencies, MDP manages the collection, analysis, data entry, and reporting of food-borne pathogens on selected agricultural commodities.

Objectives

MDP was primarily designed to provide data on microbial presence in order to establish a microbial baseline to assess the risks of contamination, if any, in the domestic food supply.  The data is used to establish "benchmarks" by which to evaluate the efficacy of procedures to reduce or eliminate harmful foodborne microorganisms.  The data is provided to stakeholders for decision-making purposes (e.g., Federal and State public health agencies, growers, processors, retail stores, and food handlers).

Find out more:

• Federal MDP contacts
• State MDP participant contacts
• Quick Facts about MDP
• Program SOPs