ALBANY - New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker Tuesday announced the state’s decision to rebuild the New York State Food Laboratory in the Capital District. The food lab provides expert analytical testing in support of food safety and security programs throughout the State.

“One of the most critical services government provides is the monitoring of our food supply to ensure that it is safe,” Governor David Paterson said. “Here in New York, we have a diverse population with a wide variety of food items from all over the world. The New York State Food Laboratory plays a vital role in making sure all of those products are safe for consumption and I am pleased to support the rebuilding of this important laboratory.”

The New York State Food Laboratory has expertise in food chemistry, food microbiology and pesticide residue. As a division of the State Department of Agriculture and Markets, the lab supports the Department’s regulatory programs in the areas of food safety, milk control and horticulture. Currently, there are 42 State employees housed at the Food Lab, including 30 chemists, bacteriologists and microbiologists.

The Food Lab is currently located in an outdated building at the Harriman State Office Campus in Albany. The building also houses the New York State Metrology Laboratory, which certifies standards for weight and measures, and certifies new types of weighing and measuring devices. The metrology lab, also a component of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, has seven employees, all of whom will be relocated when the new food lab is built in the Capital District.

The current building is in need of major renovations in order to accommodate the advanced testing performed there.

The 2006-2007 State budget included a $40 million re-appropriation for the construction of the New York State Food Laboratory. The Department of Agriculture and Markets will begin work immediately with the New York State Office of General Services to identify a location within the Capital District suitable for the new lab.