Below are the titles of the 2025 Annual Meeting Accepted Symposia. Click on the titles for the full descriptions.
Current Developments in Analytical Testing Methods for Contaminants in Foods and Food Packaging
Navigating the Landscape of Accredited Dietary Fiber Methods
Emerging Microbial and Molecular Biology Methodologies for Environmental Water Testing
Biological Variance, the Achilles Heel for Databases and Authentication
From Contamination to Clarity: Advancements and Innovations in MOSH/MOAH Analysis
Beyond the Known: Advances in Suspect Screening and Non-Targeted Analysis
Molecular-Based Analytical Methods for Safeguarding Food and Dietary Supplement Integrity
Exposing Food Fraud: Novel Methods for Food Authenticity Testing
Bioinformatics in Foodborne Pathogen Genomics: From Sequence to Safety
Probiotics Redefined: Strains, Standards and Solutions
The Roles of Analytical Methods and Data in Food Allergen Risk Assessment
Track: Microbiology & Molecular Biology Methods
Chair: Nisha Corrigan, Hygiena
The rise of molecular confirmation methods in food microbiology is transforming how we manage microbial risks and impacting various aspects of the industry. This session explores these shifts across three critical areas: laboratory management, regulatory frameworks, and manufacturing.
For lab managers, the use of molecular techniques like PCR provides more precise pathogen identification, such as for Aspergillus. However, challenges persist in traditional plating methods, highlighting the need for seamless integration of molecular diagnostics in laboratory workflows. Attendees will gain practical insights into overcoming these hurdles.
On the regulatory front, the growing reliance on molecular confirmation is driving changes in federal, public health global food safety validation standards. This session will explore the evolving regulatory landscape, including new compliance requirements, and their broader implications for public health and international trade.
For manufacturers, molecular confirmation promises enhanced pathogen detection, but raises concerns around cost, scalability, and consistency in production settings. Industry experts will discuss the advantages of these technologies for improved public health and food safety, while addressing the challenges of ensuring both regulatory compliance and consumer confidence.
Join us as we look to the future and explore how molecular confirmation is reshaping the industry toward safer, more reliable food systems.
Track: Chemical Contaminants & Residues
Chair: Victoria Siegel, Eurofins CAL
The monitoring and evaluation of chemical contaminants is a major challenge facing food suppliers globally. As the presence and impact of different components is researched, new chemicals are being identified as candidates for safety risks, and agencies are in the process of setting guidance or regulatory limits for an ever-increasing list of contaminants. This session will provide updates from method developers on the current approaches and test procedures that may be used to assess the content of chemical contaminants in foods, and food packaging.
Track: Food Nutrition
Chairs: David Mangan, Neogen & Tadas Kargelis, Neogen
Since the adoption of the ‘Prosky’ method (AOAC 985.29) for dietary fiber analysis, there have been an additional 13 AOAC methods recommended by the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) and included in Codex Alimentarius (CXS-234), latest being the AOAC 2017.16 method adopted as Codex Type I method in 2022. AOAC 2022.01, an extension of AOAC 2017.16 that enables the separate measurement of soluble and insoluble fiber, has been referred by the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) to CCMAS in October 2024, and it is expected to be adopted as a Codex Type I method to replace the current Type I standard, AOAC 2011.25. Given the complex nature dietary fiber as an analyte and the presence of so many AOAC methods, navigating appropriate method selection can be extremely cumbersome.
This session will aim to give an opportunity for industry and academia to share latest updates on dietary fibre (DF) methodology, issues that have emerged and solutions proposed in this field of analysis. The session will hopefully drive meaningful discussion on the current landscape of DF analysis and support an ongoing AOAC program aimed to address method selection and other existing issues or gaps in the field.
Track: Chemical Contaminants & Residues
Chair: Dominika Gruszecka, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments
Contaminants and unwanted materials in foodstuffs pose risks to consumers and damage brand reputation for producers. Identification and screening measures providing a rapid response prevent recalls and reduce public risk. Contaminated products erode consumer trust. Empowering laboratories to enhance strategies for identifying contaminants before they become a public hazard helps combat this distrust. Food additives such as food dyes or sanitizers spark debate among health-conscious consumers. Trace pesticides or sterilizers like ethylene oxide – intended to be adequately removed before a product reaches consumers – may remain on products at unsafe levels, and many are restricted for items intended for global trade. We hear of heavy metals found in children’s products as we vigilantly monitor foods for the youngest of our population. Identification of source contamination is crucial for the prevention of future issues. Traditional analytical methods focused on metals, pesticides, and adulterants must expand to encompass increasingly complex food products and contaminants. PFAS is an ever-growing list of contaminants to test, while ultra-processed foods pose complexities in matrix effects that impact accurate testing. This session will set the stage to discuss setbacks when testing complex foods, strategies used to overcome those challenges, and brainstorm forward-looking ideas for emergent contaminants.
Track: Microbiology & Molecular Biology Methods
Chair: Patrick Freeze, Phigenics, LLC
Safe drinking water is essential for public health, where accurate testing is required to ensure its continual quality. However, traditional methods for detecting microbial contaminants are often slow, laborious, and lack sensitivity. As such, this session will explore the latest advancements in microbial and molecular biology, providing rapid and precise tools for identifying pathogens and other biological contaminants in water.
This session will showcase emerging methodologies and innovative approaches in water quality analysis, including, but not limited to:
This session will also address the challenges and opportunities in implementing these novel methodologies for routine water quality testing. Researchers, scientists, and practitioners involved in environmental microbiology, water quality management, and public health will find this session highly informative.
Track: Quality Assurance & Reference Materials
Chair: James Harnly, USDA
There are two fundamental truths in analytical chemistry: every measurement has an inherent degree of uncertainty (variance) and the variance will increase as more experimental factors and/or computational steps are included. Variance has a profound effect on databases and authentication. The classic student’s t test determines the significance of the difference of the means of two populations after normalization by the variance. Plant materials will have variance arising from genetics (genus, species, cultivar), environment (season, location, weather), and management (in the field or in the factory). These metadata influence the computed mean and variance of every material. How many samples should be used for a phytochemical database? How many samples should be used for an authentication method? Statistics dictate a rigorous answer while practicality suggest an approach with far less rigor. In addition, how much do we wish to know about the sources and magnitude of variance, how can we make these measurements, and how do we include non-targeted methods of analysis which are far more robust in characterizing a botanical material? This session will consider the number of samples and sample selection necessary to account for variance, methods for computing variance, the accuracy and utility of authentication methods, and the accuracy of phytochemical databases.
Track: Chemical Contaminants & Residues
Chairs: M. Lorna De Leoz, Agilent Technologies & John Schmitz, Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing
Contamination in food due to mineral oil saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOSH/MOAH) is a growing concern. These petroleum distillation byproducts persist in the environment and may contaminate transportation and storage systems for food. Due to their similarities to carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), MOSH/MOAH may pose significant health risks. Food contamination can occur through food contact materials such as baking paper or boxes, oil migration during processing and packaging, or storage in containers treated with mineral oils. MOSH/MOAH have been detected in a range of products, including infant formula, dietary supplements, edible oils, and fats.
Reliable analysis of MOSH/MOAH in foods is critical for transparent reporting by food manufacturers and stringent monitoring by regulatory agencies. However, such analysis presents significant challenges. This symposium brings together leading scientific experts to discuss advancements in MOSH/MOAH analysis, covering key aspects such as cleanup (e.g. epoxidation or aluminum oxide), concentration, separation, detection, data processing and interpretation.
An extended Q&A session follows the presentations for an in-depth discussion on issues related to MOSH/MOAH analysis.
Track: Food Authenticity & Food Fraud
Chairs: Thomas Gude, GmbH & Lukas Vaclavik, Eurofins Food Chemistry Testing
The globalization of food and dietary supplement supply chains has introduced new challenges in ensuring product safety and authenticity. As food systems grow more complex, advanced analytical methods are essential to detect emerging contaminants, food contact material migrants, and other threats. Non-targeted analysis (NTA) and suspect screening workflows have become vital tools, offering comprehensive approaches to identifying both known and unknown contaminants while verifying authenticity through chemical fingerprints.
This session will explore advancements in analytical technologies and software interpretation tools driving the evolution of NTA workflows. Leading scientists will share case studies highlighting the application of these tools in food safety and authenticity testing, focusing on detecting emerging contaminants, food contact migrants, and authentication. Discussions will address the challenges of managing complex data and efforts to standardize workflows across sectors. A Q&A session will provide attendees the opportunity to engage with experts, share insights, and explore the future of NTA in food and dietary supplements. Join us to learn how these workflows are shaping the future of food safety.
Track: Botanicals & Dietary Supplements
Chair: Coleton Windsor, North American Reishi LTD (DBA Nammex)
The complexity of botanical and fungal dietary supplements poses significant challenges for their accurate identification and quality evaluation. Reliance on a single analytical method often falls short in capturing the multifaceted nature of these products, such as their chemical profile, genetics, macroscopic features, and organoleptic properties. Complimentary approaches that integrate multiple testing methods (e.g. DNA based techniques, chromatography, spectroscopy, microscopy, and colorimetry) can provide quantitative and qualitative data, offering a more robust characterization. This session will discuss the application of multiple validated analytical methods, the role of authentic reference materials, and the design of robust sampling frames to ensure scientific rigor in assessing the identity and quality of dietary supplements. Emphasis will be placed on addressing emerging challenges in evaluating complex matrices, such as multicomponent formulations, closely related species, and various extract processing methods.
Track: Microbiology & Molecular Biology Methods
Chairs: Zhengfei Lu, Herbalife Nutrition & Daniele Sohier, Hygiena
As the food and dietary supplement industry continues to grow, ensuring product quality, safety, and authenticity presents significant challenges. Advances in molecular technologies provide innovative solutions, complementing traditional analytical chemistry. This session explores the transformative role of molecular-based analytical methods in quality control, including DNA-based authentication of botanicals, mushrooms, and complex ingredients, detection of biological contaminants such as pathogens and allergens, and advanced methods for probiotics, from strain identification to viable cell quantification. Discussions will also address tools for detecting adulteration and fraud to safeguard raw materials and finished products.
Designed to gather diverse perspectives, this session will examine challenges and opportunities in adopting molecular tools for quality control in dietary supplements and food. It targets professionals using molecular analytical tools and participants in AOAC programs like AIMS, SPADA, and BIDSI. By sharing case studies, emerging technologies, and best practices, the session aims to inspire innovative approaches and promote cutting-edge molecular technologies to meet evolving industry demands.
Track: Bioinformatics, Chemometrics, & Data Analytics
Chairs: Chelsea St. Germain, Tate & Lyle & Hong You, Tate & Lyle
The food industry is rapidly evolving with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), enhancing food safety, quality control, sensory analysis, and product development. This session at the AOAC Meeting will explore AI/ML applications in contamination detection, supply chain optimization, sensory and mouthfeel analytics, and regulatory compliance.
AI-driven solutions—such as ML algorithms, computer vision, and predictive analytics—address key challenges in quality control and R&D. Laboratory experiments serve as essential sources of training and testing data for AI/ML models. Case studies will showcase successful AI/ML deployments in experiment management, quality testing, and product development, highlighting the impact of predictive analytics, LLMs, and AI-powered image recognition. Discussions will cover AI-ready data generation, real-time pathogen and contaminant detection, computer vision for defect inspection, and AI/ML applications in sensory analysis and product innovation, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and streamlining documentation.
By fostering a deeper understanding of AI/ML technologies, this session will inspire food industry professionals to embrace AI-driven innovations. Attendees will gain insights into the latest advancements, best practices, and future trends, empowering them to leverage AI/ML across various aspects of the food industry.
Track: Food Authenticity & Food Fraud
Chairs: M. Lorna De Leoz, Agilent Technologies & Kasi Somayajula, The Coca-Cola Company
Food adulteration poses a serious global public health risk and is an utmost concern in food industry and regulation. Food fraud or food adulteration involves the deliberate addition or substitution of cheaper adulterants or the mislabeling of food and food products for economic gain. Factors such as supply chain disruptions, globalization, commodity-specific shortages, and rising popularity of online food purchases have all contributed to unprecedented food fraud threats for food & beverage manufacturers. The whole food supply chain is impacted by food fraud, resulting in economic and reputational damages, but most importantly, it poses a grave threat to consumer health. For example, the 2008 melamine-tainted infant formula scandal affected 300,000 infants and young children, resulting in six fatalities. This malpractice costs billions of dollars in global losses annually.
Due to the deliberate nature of food fraud and the extensive efforts by perpetrators to avoid detection, combating food fraud necessitates a comprehensive approach to detect and ensure effective oversight. There is an ongoing need to establish universally accepted analytical methods while constantly improving them to outpace sophisticated and dynamic deceptive practices by fraudsters. This symposium features leading scientific experts who will discuss novel approaches to determining the authenticity of food and food products.
Track: Bioinformatics, Chemometrics, & Data Analytics
Chair: Pat Bird, bioMérieux
As the global food supply chain becomes increasingly complex, ensuring food safety is paramount. Bioinformatics, the integration of computational biology and data analytics, is increasingly playing a crucial role in enhancing food safety through improved detection, surveillance, and management of foodborne pathogens and contaminants. This symposium will explore the innovative applications of bioinformatics tools in the realm of food safety, from genomics-based pathogen detection to predictive models for contamination risk assessment. Presenters will discuss how next-generation sequencing (NGS) and metagenomics have revolutionized the identification of foodborne threats, enabling rapid and accurate diagnostics. Additionally, the potential for bioinformatics to inform outbreak investigations, trace food origins, and optimize regulatory frameworks will be examined. By leveraging large-scale datasets, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, bioinformatics offers novel solutions for proactively managing food safety concerns. This symposium will bring together experts in bioinformatics, microbiology, and food safety to share cutting-edge research, highlight current challenges, and explore future directions in the integration of bioinformatics into food safety practices.
Track: Chemical Contaminants & Residues
Chairs: Eve Kroukamp, Agilent Technologies & Colleen Bryan, NIST
Metals can enter into foods and food additives through a variety of different means and can impact the quality and safety of foods. As our understanding of these contaminants improves, the regulatory landscape responds by lowering limits of detection and expanding the list of analytes of interest. While some elements are restricted based upon their elemental concentrations, others may require additional scrutiny via speciation studies if their concentrations exceed the allowable limits. In this session we’ll discuss methods and best practices for the characterization of nutritional and toxic elements in foods, food additives and food contact materials.
Track: Hemp & Cannabis
Chair: Dan DeLurio, Restek Corporation
Since the establishment of state cannabis programs, contaminants testing of cannabis and its derivatives has become a typical regulatory requirement intended to protect patients and consumers. Pesticide residues particularly, a common contaminant, may pose significant and often undetermined risks to cannabis users who regularly ingest or inhale a wide variety of products available on the market. Currently, pesticide testing regulations vary widely from state to state, with discrepancies in the lists of pesticides tested and the number of targets analyzed. This inconsistency has raised concerns among industry experts about the adequacy of pesticide testing scope. In addition to state-to-state variation, there is also growing concern that some states’ pesticide regulations may fail to address the full range of risks associated with cannabis products on the market. Without an evolving and comprehensive testing framework, many consumers may unknowingly be exposed to harmful pesticide residues. This session will explore these challenges within the current testing and regulatory landscape by presenting real-world pesticide data that characterizes ongoing risks to public health and key industry stakeholders. Attendees will gain insight into emerging analytical challenges related to expanding pesticide testing in complex cannabis matrices, as well as methods and techniques to overcome these laboratory hurdles.
Track: Botanicals & Dietary Supplements
Chairs: Zhengfei Lu, Herbalife Nutrition & Binu Koshy, U.S. Pharmacopeia
The global probiotic market is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by consumer awareness, technological advancements, and demand for functional food. This surge has driven significant transformations in probiotic manufacturing, with modern products featuring complex formulations that combine multiple strains, prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients, and innovative delivery systems. While probiotics are regulated under current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines, quality standards need to be developed to address the unique challenges posed by these emerging products. The rapid introduction of new strains and combinations, coupled with expanded use in vulnerable populations, highlights the urgent need for rigorous safety evaluations and quality specifications. Beyond safety, the clinical efficacy of probiotics hinges on two critical factors: the specific strain and the quantity of viable microorganisms. Ensuring product quality demands fit-for-purpose analytical methods to confirm strain identity and verify the presence of adequate live bacteria through the product’s shelf life in diverse formulations and delivery forms. This need requires not only innovative testing methodologies but also robust evaluation programs to manage the life cycle of these methods. This session will convene leading experts to explore these challenges and foster collaboration on setting quality standards for probiotics. Join us to navigate the intersection of science, innovation, and regulation and shape the future of safe, high-quality probiotic products.
Track: Gluten & Food Allergens
Chair: Melanie Downs, Food Allergy Research & Resource Program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Guidance for food allergen method developers focuses on standard performance parameters. In practice, the critical data parameters may depend on the situation. For method developers and laboratories, understanding the uses of analytical data is beneficial to enable clear communication and ensure methods and data are fit-for-purpose. One emerging application for food allergen analytical data is quantitative food allergen risk assessment, as highlighted by a recent FAO/WHO Expert Consultation on Risk Assessment of Food Allergens. Even within the heading of risk assessment, situations have different requirements for analytical data. Frameworks for making decisions about precautionary allergen labeling (PAL), including the Allergen Bureau’s Voluntary Incidental Trace Allergen Labeling (VITAL) program, can work best with certain data. Risk assessment conducted in the context of incident management, however, may need to account for the characteristics of available analytical data in different ways. Risk-based approaches for characterizing ingredients derived from allergenic sources have other and very distinct needs for analytical data. This session will bring together international experts on food allergen risk assessment to build critical bridges with method developers and laboratories so stakeholders can work towards the goal of providing safer and broader food choices for allergic individuals.
