April 11, 2022

DEADLINE: May 16, 2022

Since 2011, AOAC Expert Review Panels (ERPs) have been used to assess methods against Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs®). In 2021, after a decade of successful adoption of over 100 Official Methods, the Official Methods Board (OMB) undertook a review to integrate and clarify the standards process to ensure continued best practice while recognizing and embracing flexibility to meet each community’s needs as part of the Official MethodsTM Program.

The OMB’s OMA Methods Working Group recently completed its review and revision of AOAC Appendix G: Procedures and Guidelines for the Use of AOAC Voluntary Consensus Standards to Evaluate Characteristics of a Method of Analysis and is now accepting public comments.

Comment Process

The public comment period is open through May 16, 2022. Comments will be compiled and reviewed and the document may be revised if necessary, based on comments received.

Comments must be submitted using the form provided. Marked up documents will not be accepted.

Comment Guidelines:

  1. For specific comments, state the line number and/or range of line numbers in each document for which the comment applies.
  2. Provide rationale as to why the editor should consider the comment.
  3. Specify if the comment is an editorial, content, or general comment.
    • Editorial comments provide additional clarification or correct typographical errors. Please suggest alternative wording or corrections if you have an editorial comment.
    • Content related comments provide technical clarity and comprehensiveness. Please suggest the appropriate technical language. Documents will be reviewed by AOAC and the working group chair(s) for technical accuracy and clarify.
    • General comments reflect a perspective on content documented/undocumented in the drafts. Please provide language that documents the perspective or position.

All comments are due by May 16, 2022. The AOAC team will address all questions and reserves the right to not accept comments received after this deadline.

Questions? Please contact Delia Boyd, AOAC Senior Manager, Standards and Official Methods, at [email protected].