OVERVIEW
As a standards development organization known for its work over the past 140 years in food, dietary supplement, agriculture, and related fields, AOAC INTERNATIONAL is an independent, 501(c)(3), non-profit, membership association of analytical science professionals representing government, industry, and academia worldwide. AOAC’s credibility is derived from leveraging the expertise of its international pool of volunteer subject matter experts to address analytical challenges and testing needs with voluntary consensus standards and reliable, fit-for-purpose, and validated methods.
BACKGROUND
AOAC PFAS Program was initiated at the end of 2022 and has delivered voluntary consensus standards for determination of selected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various food matrices (AOAC SMPR® 2023.003) and food packaging materials (AOAC SMPR® 2025.001). These standards have been used as a basis for call for methods, resulting in establishment of four AOAC Official Methods of AnalysisSM for PFAS in food and a currently open calls for methods for PFAS in food packaging.
Building on these accomplishments, AOAC is expanding efforts to address other needs and challenges in PFAS analysis, including determination of total organic fluorine in food packaging, development of comprehensive guidelines for PFAS analysis, or standardization of PFAS analysis in cosmetic products. The PFAS Program Advisory Panel will determine objectives for each initiative that will be launched under this program.
Total organic fluorine (TOF) analysis is an important tool for monitoring the extent of PFAS contamination and for verification of regulatory compliance. It is typically followed by a targeted analysis of important PFAS molecules and can be complemented by non-targeted analysis to investigate presence of additional PFAS that were not covered by the targeted approach. There are no established guidelines for the use of non-targeted analytical workflows in PFAS analysis, which would provide practical guidance and best practices for method validation, routine use, and quality control. Moreover, there are other aspects in PFAS analysis that are problematic and could be addressed and incorporated in a comprehensive guidance document to help laboratories strengthen their PFAS analytical capabilities and support harmonization.
MOVING FORWARD WITH AOAC’s PFAS INITIATIVE
By leveraging the collective expertise of supporting organizations from government, NGOs, industry, and academia, the Advisory Panel provides strategic direction, ensures alignment with stakeholder needs, and helps establish guidance that is both scientifically rigorous and globally relevant.
AOAC is seeking financial support to advance this PFAS initiative with an annual donation of $10,000. Other levels of donations will be considered as well. Funding will support the following:
- Project management support for convening the Advisory Panel and subsequent technical Working Groups to develop voluntary consensus standards,
- Oversight of the standard development process,
- Processes for drafting documents and consensus building,
- Publication of approved consensus documents,
- Calls for methods,
- Oversight of the Official Methods of Analysis process,
- Publication of established official methods in Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONALSM (OMA),
- Facilitation of global alignment,
- External outreach and training events to publicize the work of the group as well as to attract additional scientists.
This collaborative approach positions AOAC’s PFAS initiative to shape the future of PFAS analysis in food, food contact materials, and other products, such as cosmetics.
Advisory Panel Member Benefits
- Shape Analytical Standards: Influence the development of internationally recognized performance standards and guidance documents that fill critical gaps in PFAS analysis.
- Advance Global Harmonization: Collaborate with global experts to align analytical practices and methods across regions, supporting consistency in PFAS analysis.
- Enhance Scientific Rigor: Contribute to establishing science-based method performance requirements and reliable, state-of-the-art, validated methods.
- Network with Leaders: Gain access to a global community of scientists and industry stakeholders advancing PFAS analytical methodologies.
- Stay Ahead of Emerging Needs: Anticipate and respond to new regulatory and scientific requirements, ensuring organizational readiness for the future of PFAS analysis in various matrices.
Contact us at [email protected] to get involved!
AOAC would like to thank the PFAS Program Advisory Panel organizations
Abbott Nutrition
CEM
Certified Group
Millipore Sigma
Nestlé
SCIEX
Waters
