Metagenomic Target Enrichment for Identifying Insect Fragments in Food

Presenter: Madeline Loughlin, Public Health Practice, Global Public Health Scholars

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For my practicum project, I worked as an intern in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration through their partnership with the Joint Institute for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, under the direct mentorship of Dr. Monica Pava-Ripoll a research entomologist. Her research project is titled “Shotgun Metagenomics for Detecting and Identifying Insect Contaminants within Food Products”. Her research centers around modernization of microscopic insect contaminant detection within food products, by evaluating the DNA from an environmental sample. My primary responsibilities within the lab included extracting genomic DNA from insects and food products, preparing genomic libraries for target enrichment techniques, and analyzing sequencing data to identify contaminant species. This experience gave me valuable insight into the world of microbiology, as well as an understanding of its stark impact with a public health lens. I also developed a deeper understanding of the FDA’s role in food safety, and the importance of the combination of scientific research and regulatory oversight that the agency practices. As a biology major within a public health program, I believe that this was an incredible. experience to put both of my skills to the test. This work highlighted the interconnectedness of science and policy, as our findings could make real world impacts in preventing filth contamination within American products. The presence of insects in food products is not inherently dangerous, but can indicate unsanitary conditions, or could signal the presence of E-coli or salmonella. By contributing to Dr. Pava-Ripoll’s amazing research, I feel as though I am supporting efforts to enhance national food safety, while also deepening my commitment to protecting public health through scientific innovation.