AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s global science and professional programs support analytical excellence by developing and validating standards and methods, certifying technical performance and proficiency, and providing training and capacity-building programs. Together, they create the environment essential for global confidence in the food supply.
Core Programs & Services
AOAC’s core programs represent departments that serve as the foundation for all science activities and services provided by AOAC. Each is either nationally accredited or bears a registered service mark. Though each has distinct responsibilities and provides a unique service in support of AOAC’s mission, they all work in concert to reflect a harmonized quality system through analytical excellence.
Analytical Solutions Forum
AOAC’s Analytical Solutions Forum (ASF) brings global stakeholders together to identify emerging needs and technologies in scientific analysis of food and related products.
Official Methods of Analysis Program
The Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) program is AOAC’s premier program for developing food testing analytical science methods that are recognized and legally defensible worldwide.
Proficiency Testing Program
AOAC’s Proficiency Testing (PT) helps labs compete in the global marketplace by demonstrating that they meet the highest international standards for accuracy, reliability, and compliance.
AOAC Research Institute
The AOAC Research Institute (AOAC RI), a division of AOAC validates proprietary kit-based testing methods by way of the Performance Tested Methods program and laboratory consumables with the Performance Tested Consumables program.
Integrated Projects
Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons
AOAC’s Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons Project aims to develop consensus-based standards, harmonize analytical methods, and support the advancement of methodologies for mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH) analysis in food, infant formula, and dietary supplement products.
Organic Authenticity
AOAC’s Organic Authenticity project focuses on authenticity of nutrients (not pesticides or other inputs) in terms of both organic crops and organic compliant fertilizers.
Pesticides in Herbs & Spices
AOAC’s Pesticides in Herbs & Spices initiative is working to strengthen food safety, trade, and consumer trust by developing globally recognized analytical standards, methods & guidance for pesticide testing.
Integrated Programs
AOAC’s integrated science programs are provisional activities formed under a specified thematic scope to achieve deliverables that incorporate services and expertise from each core program. The degree of program integration will vary based on the scope and need defined for the program or project.
AOAC INTERNATIONAL Microbiological Standards Program
The AOAC INTERNATIONAL Microbiological Standards (AIMS) program focuses on capability gaps in laboratory testing, emerging microbial threats to food safety, and developing standards for using cutting-edge technologies.
Botanical Ingredients and Dietary Supplement Integrity Program
AOAC’s Botanical Ingredient and Dietary Supplement Integrity (BIDSI) Program focuses on coordinating all future consensus-driven need for development, validation, and implementation of methods for the analysis of a wide range of botanical ingredients and dietary supplements.
Cannabis Analytical Science Program
AOAC’s Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP) is a forum where the science of hemp and cannabis analysis are discussed and cannabis standards and methods are developed.
Dairy Protein
Hydrolysates Program
The Dairy Protein Hydrolysates program is funded by stakeholders to collaboratively address the need for standardized methods for characterization of protein hydrolysates, specifically dairy protein hydrolysates.
Dietary Fiber and Other Carbohydrates Program
AOAC’s Dietary Fiber and Other Carbohydrates Program focuses on standardizing and harmonizing the definitions and analytical approach to fiber and dietary carbohydrates, thereby enabling more efficient global commerce for key foods and ingredients.
Gluten & Food Allergens Program
AOAC’s Gluten & Food Allergens (GFA) program focuses on coordinating all future consensus-driven need for development, validation, and implementation of methods for the analysis of a wide range of food-associated allergens and gluten.
Novel Foods Program
AOAC’s Novel Foods program addresses current and newly emerging analytical needs applicable to novel foods from alternative protein sources. This program is designed to provide the analytical resources necessary to ensure product safety and quality.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Program
AOAC’s PFAS program provides analytical solutions for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in foods, food contact materials and other matrices.
Stakeholder Program on Agent Detection Assays
AOAC’s Stakeholder Program on Agent Detection Assays (SPADA) brings together expert stakeholders from the biothreat community to foster a comprehensive and uniform approach to scientific analysis and detection of biothreat agents.
Stakeholder Program on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals
AOAC’s Stakeholder Program on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN) develops consensus-based standards and methods to make infant formula and adult nutritionals safer for babies and adults to consume.
Vitamins Program
AOAC’s Vitamins program focuses on vitamin methodology for formulation, nutrition content, and subsequent nutrition fact panels, as well as for shelf-life compliance testing.
