Founded in 1884 with our beginnings in the USDA and US FDA, AOAC INTERNATIONAL is an independent, non-profit membership association of analytical science professionals in government, industry, and academia worldwide. Our mission is to advance food safety and product integrity through standards, validated test methods, and laboratory quality programs. We publish outcomes, including Official Methods of AnalysisSM, in the Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL and provide laboratory proficiency testing programs. AOAC also facilitates collaboration and training of scientists and other stakeholders to address challenges with sustainable analytical solutions.
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 >
