As a leader of analytical excellence, AOAC INTERNATIONAL advances food safety, food integrity, and public health, by bringing together members, organizations, and experts dedicated to developing and validating standards, methods, and technologies of global relevance.
AOAC INTERNATIONAL is a 501(c)(3), independent, third party, not-for-profit association and voluntary consensus standards developing organization.
AOAC INTERNATIONAL was established in 1884 as the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists. Later, the Association of Official Analytical Chemists name was adopted to better reflect additional safety interest areas. Today, the organization’s legal name is AOAC INTERNATIONAL, to reflect the global nature of its impact.
In late 2019, the question of what the acronym should “mean” returned as a focus as AOAC’s Board, staff and management were developing a new organizational strategy. The refreshed strategy was approved on December 10, 2019. Here’s what “AOAC” stands for in today’s analytical science landscape:
The Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) program is AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s premier methods program. This methods program is distinct from the annual publication, Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONALTM. Approved methods undergo rigorous, systematic scientific scrutiny to ensure they are highly credible and defensible—and can be used with confidence by industry, regulatory agencies, research organizations, testing laboratories, and academic institutions.
The AOAC Research Institute (AOAC RI) is a division of AOAC INTERNATIONAL that promotes and conduct activities to help develop, improve, and validate proprietary testing methods. Our Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) program helps companies and their customers safeguard their businesses, mitigate risk, and protect consumers through trusted, reliable testing methods and products.
AOAC’s Proficiency Testing (PT) helps labs compete in the global marketplace by demonstrating and certifying they meet the highest international standards for accuracy, reliability, and compliance.
To learn more about the AOAC universe of scientific programs, training & education, Analytical Solutions Forum, and other cross-program activities, view the AOAC INTERNATIONAL brochure.
We encourage the growth of our membership by embracing the opportunities provided by diversity and inclusion and strive to ensure all members feel fulfilled in belonging to AOAC INTERNATIONAL. Learn more >
