The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has opened a new research laboratory at Fort McPherson in Atlanta. The facility, which was empty for more than a decade after the base was decommissioned, has been transformed into a hub for public health and consumer safety. Over 200 scientists, investigators and inspectors will soon be working from the 162,000 square foot facility. The new facility is a significant upgrade to the nation's scientific infrastructure and will allow the FDA to complete new and better tests for food safety. It is also equipped to handle food illness outbreaks.