Office of Public Health Science

The Office of Public Health Science (OPHS) is responsible for collecting, analyzing and reporting scientific information. OPHS scientists develop science-based and data driven advice and recommendations (including risk assessments) for use by Agency decision makers. OPHS oversees three Field Service Laboratories, which analyze samples collected from FSIS regulated products nationwide to monitor for pathogens, chemical residues, allergens, species verification and more. OPHS also provides administrative oversight for one of the Agency’s advisory committees, the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods, which operates under the requirements of the Federal Advisory Committee Act.