Best Practices for Mission Applications

A GIS-based Novel Framework for Foodservice Establishments Sampling and Analysis

—Guilan Huang, FDA

Food safety is a high priority for many Americans. In addition to the typical science-based programs for preventing foodborne illness, FDA needs to determine the effectiveness of these programs and establish performance measures. To get an accurate picture of improvement and/or regression in the performance of food service establishments with respect to consumer safety, it is necessary to collect sample data to calculate a baseline, and then take additional samples during the study-timeline. Generally, we pay more attention to the sample sizes than spatial attribute of samples. Unrepresentative samples could contribute to the uncertainty of the analytical results. A new GIS-based framework for sampling and analysis combines four aspects:

1. refine sampling strategy by considering spatial heterogeneity of foodservice distribution, allot sample slots by administrative or jurisdiction, deliver more precise and accurate local-level information;
2. analyze the data with geographical weighted adjustment;
3. optimize data-collector's work plan and resource allocation;
4. visualize the sample distribution and detect the point pattern of samples.

The application of this framework will enhance FDA's ability to pinpoint features of foodservice establishments and reduce the time and expense of data collection.