Process for Identifying Method Needs

To ensure that the Community’s mission and objectives are successful, the program of work will follow a proven model established by AOAC. This model has been successful for other communities working with AOAC, such as the Homeland Security and Dietary Supplements communities. The community’s program will follow systematic procedures and processes:

• Stakeholder Involvement
  The AOAC Community will identify and gather stakeholders from federal, state, industry, trade, and international organizations as representatives from each of the areas of agricultural materials.
• Setting Priorities
  The Community will establish criteria for prioritizing method areas. The criteria may be based on food safety issues, regulatory needs, food defense, international trade, may be economic, or based on other criteria as determined by the Community sub-group. Each will be ranked according to degree of importance. The group will then set method priorities. They will decide in order of priority the most important methods needed by the community.
• Establishing Method Performance Criteria
  Methods that come forward for validation must meet the needs of the Community stakeholders such as regulators and the food industry. The criteria may vary depending on the analytical subject area. Subgroups or Expert Review Panels for each method area will be formed to establish the criteria for method performance.
• Finding the Best Method
  Methods will be identified and collected. Expert Review Panels (ERPs) for each of the areas will review submissions based on established performance criteria and either choose the best method or identify gaps in methodology. If there are gaps in methodology, the ERPs may actually assemble the right method from pieces of methods under consideration. The ERPs may recommend development of a new method.
• Single Laboratory Validations (SLV)
  Depending on existing methodology and available single laboratory validation, a method may be recommended for peer verified (multi-laboratory) or full collaborative study. Some methods will need development and SLV validation before recommendation for collaborative study.
• Validating Fit-for-Purpose Methods Quickly
  AOAC has become very good at establishing timelines and, with its experienced staff and volunteers, method processes can keep moving so that qualified methods can be collaborated, reviewed and validated in 6 - 12 months.
• Publishing and Disseminating Approved Methods
  Approved methods will be published in the Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL, in the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL and will be posted on AOAC’s website for widest possible distribution, immediately after approval as “First Action.”
• Identifying Financial Support
  Financial support will be needed to help the community accomplish its mission and goals. The community will work with AOAC to help identify and get financial support from the organizations and government agencies that will benefit from the work of the community.