AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s global science and professional support 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 Performance Tested Methods and other programs are provided by the AOAC Research Institute (AOAC RI), a division of AOAC that validates proprietary kit-based food safety testing methods.

Integrated Projects

Color Additives from Natural Sources

This newly established working group is composed of four contaminant-specific subgroups to develop and adopt voluntary consensus standards for color additives from natural sources.

Dairy Protein Hydrolysates

 This new initiative funded by stakeholders to collaboratively address the need for standardized methods for characterization of protein hydrolysates, specifically dairy protein hydrolysates.

Ethylene Oxide Residues

AOAC INTERNATIONAL is developing a new project on the analysis of ethylene oxide residues (ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol).

Trace Elements

AOAC is seeking support to launch a working group to review the applicability of current standard method performance requirements for heavy metals in foods in response to the lower regulatory limits worldwide. The project is proposed to operate at an accelerated pace to meet a timeline specified by stakeholders.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Initiative

This integrated project will provide analytical solutions for the detection and quantification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in processed and packaged foods and raw agricultural commodities.

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.

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.

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.

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.