Microbiology
Chemistry
AOAC developed the Standard Microbiology Program for labs that operate in the area of food safety. This program helps labs prove proficiency in detecting pathogens (including Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and Listeria), as well as quantifying aerobic organisms, coliforms, E. coli, Coagulase Positive Staphylococcus, yeast and mold, Bacillus cereus, and Enterobacteriaceae. The program offers eight test samples – four qualitative and four quantitative. Additionally, participants can report and be evaluated on O and H antigens for Salmonella and identifying Listeria species. A lab may perform as many or as few analyses among the tests listed above. This program is also available without E. coli O157:H7 (M08) and without E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria (M09).
For select microbiology programs, labs can report up to four sets of results, so up to four technicians and/or methodologies can be reported for the same organism.
For labs that do not routinely test for pathogens, AOAC offers the Pathogen-Free Program. This program offers an opportunity to participate in a microbiology program without bringing potentially hazardous pathogens into the lab. The program includes four samples of mashed potatoes for quantitative determination of Aerobic plate count, coliform, E. coli (generic), Enterobacteriaceae, yeast and mold, and now lactic acid bacteria. A lab may perform as many or as few analyses among the tests listed above.
For select microbiology programs, labs can report up to four sets of results, so up to four technicians and/or methodologies can be reported for the same organism.
Foodborne pathogens pose a serious problem in the United States. Annually, five million illnesses and four thousand deaths are attributed to meat and poultry products. Because outbreaks of Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella make headlines, many companies are eager to prove the safety of their foods. With increased public concern surrounding foodborne pathogens, labs are under considerable pressure to provide detailed analyses in a host of meat-related areas. To address these requirements, AOAC offers three modules within its Meat Microbiology Program. The first (M03) provides 10 ground meat samples to determine different Salmonella. The second (M04) provides 10 ground meat samples to test the presence or absence of E. coli O157:H7. Finally, labs may choose a module (M05) which includes 12 processed meat samples to determine the presence or absence of Listeria monocytogenes.
In addition, for those labs that wish to analyze all three pathogens or two pathogens in a meat matrix, AOAC offers two combination programs in a meat matrix (M10 and M12). The first Combination Pathogen Program (M10) offers participating labs the opportunity to test for Salmonella species in a ground meat matrix (four samples), E. coli O157:H7 in a ground meat matrix (four samples), and Listeria monocytogenes in a processed meat matrix (four samples). Now AOAC offers a second combination program, Combination Pathogen Program without E. coli O157: H7 (M12), for laboratories testing for Salmonella species in a ground meat matrix (four samples) and Listeria monocytogenes in a processed meat matrix (four samples).
This program allows participating labs to report the presence or absence of Listeria and the species identification, if applicable. The sample set comes with four swabs (some inoculated and some uninoculated controls). It is a popular program with labs that use it for accreditation, training, and/or internal use, along with GFSI (SQF, FSSC 22000, BRC, etc.) certified laboratories.
This qualitative program consists of five Salmonella in Liquid Egg samples. This program allows the participant to report present or absence of Salmonella and also provides the opportunity to report the O and H antigens.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements for nutrition labeling demand food chemistry panels adhere to strict federal guidelines. AOAC offers PT programs for both meats (C01) and cheese (C02) chemistry with two samples per shipment. Each program offers analysis of protein, moisture, fat, salt, ash, carbohydrate, cholesterol, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, calories and pH. In addition, the C01 Meat Chemistry Program offers analysis of nitrite*, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, and trans fatty acids. The C02 Cheese Chemistry program also offers analysis of lactose*, galactose*, phosphorus, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat, polyunsaturated fat, trans fatty acids, pH, and Water Activity.
*These analytes are currently not included in the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Proficiency Testing Program’s scope of accreditation.
To meet the needs of the analytical laboratory community, AOAC added the Pesticide Residues in Fruits and Vegetables Program. Labs participating in the program can test for an extensive array of pesticide residues in a fruit and vegetable matrix (P01). The list of pesticide residues tested in the program was developed after an extensive survey of international needs and interests. Countries participating in the survey included the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia.
The program features 56 possible chemicals, three shipments of testing materials per year, three test samples per shipment, and a fruit and vegetable matrix. The analyses deadline is 30 days. To assure the program fits each analytical lab’s needs, labs are asked to provide a list of residues they will be testing. Participants are only evaluated for these specific residues and the report provided will clearly identify these pesticides.
This program includes Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid (B5), Vitamin C, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, D2, D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Fatty Acids, Iodine, Myo‐inositol, Nucleotides, and Ultratrace Minerals (Chromium, Selenium, Molybdenum). Participants can test for as many or as few nutrients as they wish. The analyses deadline is 30 days.
Your lab can enroll in any program at any time and you will receive the next shipment of samples for the program you choose. You must enroll 30 days prior to the next shipment.
You may enroll for a year or select as many shipments as you require by completing the partial enrollment form or contacting AOAC at least 30 days prior to shipment of the samples you need.
AOAC provides discounts on samples (but not the shipping prices). Companies receive:
AOAC can ship samples to most of North America, Central America, South America, Europe, and some regions of Asia. Labs in other international locations need to hire an independent broker and should contact AOAC to determine country regulations on importing “dangerous goods”. Some program samples include pathogens that are considered dangerous goods.
1. Complete all sections of the enrollment form; incomplete information may delay your enrollment.
