This year was devoted to effective strategies to build the future of the Association. AOAC focused on reinforcing its strategic and financial vision, with an eye toward priorities, resources, collaboration, and sustainability—and had some fun along the way.
“The AOAC Board of Directors leveraged insights to inform a comprehensive three-year strategic plan that emphasizes organizational priorities, optimal use of resources, and opportunities for growth and improvement across the organization,” said AOAC Immediate Past President Danièle Sohier, Hygiena. “The goal is to enhance the Association’s long-term sustainability.”
AOAC continued to make significant strides in 2025 in its integrated and core science programs, advancing existing initiatives while scanning the horizon for emerging hot topics that lead to opportunities for 2026. This year saw milestone anniversaries for AOAC’s proven solution to addressing critical needs through voluntary consensus and for one of the Association’s longest standing stakeholder programs.
Here’s a look at what AOAC was up to in 2025 and where the Association is headed.
Revenue Granularity Analysis
Under Sohier’s leadership, a task force was formed to focus on AOAC’s revenue granularity initiative, which aims to provide clearer, more precise understanding of revenue streams to support better planning and decision-making in AOAC programs and services. The task force is evaluating the balance between benefits and investments across AOAC’s various programs and activities.
“This careful evaluation will not only support the identification of potential revenue streams but also serve as a solid basis for shaping the new strategic road map that will guide AOAC’s financial sustainability in the coming years,” said Sohier.
Revamping OMA Program
The AOAC Presidential Task Force on Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) Program is leading the modernization of AOAC’s flagship methods program to keep the Association at the forefront of advancing food safety and product integrity. A final report, which includes nearly 30 priority and five supplemental recommendations to revamp the OMA Program was presented to the AOAC Board of Directors at the beginning of December 2025. The proposed improvements aim to ensure that the OMA remains up-to-date, reliable, and easy to use.
15 Years of SMPRs
This year, AOAC celebrated 15 years of AOAC Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs®) playing an integral role in the Association’s suite of analytical solutions. As of date, since 2010 when AOAC formally implemented standards development protocols, the Association has adopted more than 170 SMPRs for a variety of analytes and matrices in the areas of food, dietary supplements, infant formula, biothreat detection, and cannabis/hemp, among others, which have led to the approval of new and modern methods.
“Since their inception, AOAC SMPRs have been a benchmark for analytical excellence, supporting method development and collaboration among academia, government, and industry,” said AOAC Executive Director David B. Schmidt. “Their use has improved the quality of laboratory methods, increased trust in food safety, and helped drive innovation.”
Today, AOAC provides SMPRs to address new generations of products and analytes.
Among this year’s many highlights, AOAC approved SMPRs for:
SMPRs in Progress
AOAC continued to advance standards development for current initiatives while developing new science programs and projects to deliver analytical solutions for global recognition, addressing the most pressing issues identified as priorities by stakeholders.
AOAC working groups are in various stages of standards development in the areas of:
Standard Guidelines
Revision of “Appendix L: AOAC Recommended Guidelines for SPIFAN Single-Laboratory Validation (SLV)” of the OMA compendium was published earlier this year. Approved in late 2024, the guidance was revised to include terms and definitions for the infant formula matrix category, including infant formula, follow-up formula, and adult/pediatric formula.
Publication of the AOAC INTERNATIONAL Guidelines for Validation of Qualitative Gluten Methods with Specific Examples for Lateral Flow Devices is nearing completion. These guidelines will be the first published under a new codification system for AOAC Standard Guidelines (SG).
AOAC working groups are in various stages of development of guidelines and best practices on:
Standard Protocol
AOAC recently completed a collaboration with NIST that resulted in two key deliverables designed to promote consistency and quality across drug test strips for multiple drug classes. In addition to an SMPR for rapid screening of drug products, the AOAC Working Group on Drug Test Strips and affiliated stakeholders developed a standard protocol for Single and Independent Laboratory Validation of Methods for Detection of Benzodiazepines, Fentanyl, Medetomidine, Nitazenes, and Xylazine in Selected Drug Product Solids, Liquids, and Residues to Accompany AOAC SMPR 2025.002. The protocol will be the first published under a new codification system for AOAC Standard Protocol (SP).
Core and Integrated Science Programs
Official Methods of AnalysisSM Program
This year, AOAC delivered Official MethodsSM for Bacillus cereus, Listeria, fatty acids at the sn-2 position, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), vitamin C, PFAS (4), pyrrolizidine alkaloids, L-malic acid, and δ-gluconic acid. See “Standards and Methods News” in this issue for a listing of Official MethodsSM adopted in 2025.
Research Institute
In 2025, 16 new methods were granted Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) status, and 10 were approved as modifications of PTM certifications.
The AOAC Research Institute (RI) has been working on internal processes to enhance services provided. Much of this effort is driven by customer surveys. In response, the RI is continuing to roll out its new certificate format which organizes information, provides access to supporting data, and streamlines processes to allow for more efficient submission.
Finally, the RI will offer a new program, Performance Tested ConsumablesSM (PTC), so watch for this exciting program soon.
Proficiency Testing
AOAC’s Laboratory Proficiency Testing Program (LPTP) continues to experience growth in Hemp and Cannabis and Food and Environmental programs. The AOAC Microbial Contaminants PT Program, offered in hemp dried flower, received some technical upgrades based on feedback and is in process to be added to AOAC’s scope of accreditation. Target organisms include Salmonella, E. coli (STEC), Aspergillus, aerobic plate count/total aerobic count (APC/TAC), coliforms, E. coli (generic) bile-tolerant Gram-negative (BTGN) bacteria/Enterobacteriaceae (EB), and yeast and mold (YM). This program is being offered Q2 and Q4 2026.
AOAC LPTP is expanding to include more offerings for the Cannabis and Hemp PT programs. A new program for Foreign Material in Hemp (Dried Flower/Biomass) is in development and will be offered in 2026. In addition, new programs are being launched for edibles (gummies matrix). AOAC PT staff are working with Signature Science, LLC, the test material provider for hemp and cannabis, in developing both hemp edibles (<0.3% THC) and cannabis edibles (>0.3% THC) for Potency/Concentration (cannabinoids, terpenes, water activity) and Chemical Contaminants (pesticides, mycotoxins, heavy metals, and residual solvents).
In the area of Food and Environmental, a PT program for Salmonella Environmental Swab is being offered in 2026. In addition, AOAC is looking to expand its microbiology program offerings to include new matrices, such as leafy greens and other vegetables.
Analytical Solutions Forum
The AOAC Analytical Solutions Forum (ASF) continues to be a valuable platform to advance existing programs, scan the horizon for the analytical needs of tomorrow, and bring in new ideas to drive new program development. ASF is a starting point for many new AOAC programs. Dietary fiber and other carbohydrates, dairy protein hydrolysates, organic authenticity, and vitamins analysis are recent examples of emerging topics introduced through ASF that are now implemented as AOAC programs.
AOAC is in the early stages of development of new scientific initiatives for pesticide multiresidue analysis in herbs and spices, bioassays in food testing, and mineral oil hydrocarbons, which were introduced and/or examined through ASF.
During the 139th AOAC Annual Meeting on August 24, 2025, experts explored new and emerging topics, such as protein analysis, Salmonella testing standards, PFAS and other concerns in cosmetics, microbial built environment testing, and implementation of AI in laboratories. Discussions stemming from ASF help shape future directions for AOAC.
Infant Formula
This year marked 15 years of successful collaboration among the infant formula community, international standards-setting bodies, and other stakeholders accomplished through consensus by AOAC SPIFAN, one of AOAC’s longest standing and most successful integrated science programs. SPIFAN continues to make significant advances, resulting in an impressive list of standards and Official MethodsSM to address issues most impacting the infant formula sector.
“Infant formula and adult nutritionals are uniquely regulated, high-risk products requiring the utmost level of analytical precision and international standardization,” said Darryl Sullivan of Eurofins and chair of the AOAC Expert Review Panel (ERP) for SPIFAN Nutrient Methods. “SPIFAN’s work ensures that validated methods are fit-for-purpose and support global regulatory compliance, public health, and fair trade, while anticipating the next generation of nutritional science.”
To date, the initiative has resulted in nearly 50 AOAC SMPRs, 65 First Action Official MethodsSM, and 21 Final Action Official MethodsSM adopted by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) as Type II or Type III methods and included in Codex Standard CXS 234-1999 “Recommended Methods of Analysis and Sampling.”
This year, the AOAC ERP for SPIFAN Nutrient Methods adopted three First Action Official MethodsSM for HMOs, fatty acids at the sn-2 position of triacylglycerol molecules, and vitamin C in infant formula and adult/pediatric nutritional formula. In addition, the ERP recommended Official MethodSM 2022.03 for taurine for Final Action consideration by the AOAC Official Methods Board (OMB).
AOAC SPIFAN deliberations in Codex have expanded with endorsement of a set of methods for determination of nutrients in follow-up formula by the Codex Committee on Methods of Analysis and Sampling (CCMAS) in May 2025. These methods were previously approved by Codex for infant formula and jointly submitted with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Dairy Federation (IDF). AOAC SPIFAN methods endorsed by CCMAS for follow-up formula were adopted by CAC at its 48th Session in November 2025.
“Appendix L: AOAC Recommended Guidelines for SPIFAN Single-Laboratory Validation (SLV)” of the OMA compendium was published in March 2025 to include terms and definitions for the infant formula and follow-up formula matrix categories.
Standards development processes are underway for galactosyllactoses, which were introduced at the AOAC Annual Meeting and Exposition in San Diego, California, USA. The draft SMPR is expected to undergo consensus vote in the first quarter of 2026. Once finalized, AOAC will publish the standard in the OMA compendium and issue a call for methods.
Biothreat Detection
SPADA, AOAC’s longest standing stakeholder program, persists to successfully build a standard program for development, validation, and use of threat agent detection technologies. To this day, the initiative continues to be extended to other priority agents and technologies.
The AOAC SPADA Working Group on Metagenomic Sequencing is developing (1) a guidance document for agnostic metagenomic sequencing and (2) AOAC SMPRs for microorganism identification by metagenomic sequencing for biosurveillance. The guidance document on MIMeGS focuses on quality and reporting guidelines for end users. The SMPR outlines criteria for detection of multiple biothreat agent organisms in environmental samples by metagenome sequencing to guide assay developers.
Cannabis and Hemp
The AOAC CASP Think Tank Working Group for Pesticides in Cannabis is developing three main deliverables: method development handbook, pesticide characteristics and MRM database, and curated references and tools—all of which will aid stakeholders in delivering fit-for-purpose methods through best practices guidance to develop and validate methods for pesticide residue analysis in cannabis.
In addition, AOAC CASP is preparing to develop best practices guidelines to provide comprehensive technical guidance for conducting microbial testing using test kits for analysis of cannabis and cannabis-derived products.
Gluten and Food Allergens
The AOAC GFA Program’s Working Group on Gluten developed validation guidance for both qualitative and quantitative gluten methods. Guidelines for Validation of Qualitative Gluten Methods with Specific Examples of Lateral-Flow Devices were approved and are nearing completion of the AOAC publication process. The draft document for Guidelines for Validation of Quantitative Gluten Methods is in the final stages of approval and is being reviewed by the AOAC OMB.
With validation guidelines completed, the Working Group on GFA is developing end user guidance focused on (1) method selection and verification, (2) sampling, and (3) data interpretation. The first section of the document on method selection and verification is complete and being posted for public comment. The working group will begin drafting guidance on sampling and data interpretation.
Microbiological Methods
In support of the AOAC AIMS Program, standards development initiatives for four SMPRs (qualitative cultural, quantitative cultural, qualitative molecular, and quantitative molecular) to detect and enumerate Legionella in potable and nonpotable water are underway. Methods are needed that can detect, enumerate, and identify Legionella and differentiate between viable and nonviable cells in potable water and/or nonpotable water, including structures that aerosolize water. Draft SMPRs for qualitative and quantitative cultural methods are nearing the public comment stage.
In addition, AOAC AIMS launched a multiyear initiative funded by stakeholders to collaboratively revise and expand microbiological method validation guidelines, which are currently provided as “Appendix J: AOAC INTERNATIONAL Methods Committee Guidelines for Validation of Microbiological Methods for Food and Environmental Surfaces” of the OMA compendium. Three subgroups are being formed to focus on qualitative detection methods for culturable bacteria, analytical confirmation methods, and quantitative methods.
Botanicals and Dietary Supplements
Stakeholders identified the growing popularity of functional mushrooms (fungi) as an opportunity to develop standards and validate methods to address variability, ensure product quality and safety, and meet label claims, among other needs. On August 1, 2025, AOAC launched the Working Group on Lion’s Mane to develop SMPRs for the determination of species-relevant analytical marker compounds in Lion’s Mane dietary supplement ingredients and finished products. The draft SMPR is almost ready for working group comments.
PFAS
AOAC extended the scope of targeted PFAS analysis in foods and feed to food packaging and food contact materials. The first SMPR under this scope was approved in summer 2025 for quantitative analysis of selected PFAS in food packaging matrices by mass spectrometry-based methods. The SMPR is available on OMA Online, and AOAC has issued a call for methods and experts.
With approval of AOAC SMPR 2025.001 for determination of PFAS in food packaging material, AOAC is launching a new working group to develop consensus standards for PFAS in food contact materials by total organic fluorine analysis.
Novel Foods
AOAC is developing two SMPRs for (1) Determination of Total Amino Acids in Foods, with an Emphasis on Novel Foods and Ingredients and (2) Determination of Free Amino Acids in Foods, with an Emphasis on Novel Foods and Ingredients. Nearing completion, these two SMPRs represent an important milestone as the first priorities in AOAC’s integrated program on novel foods from alternative protein sources.
Building on the momentum of amino acid analysis, AOAC will next focus on standards development for mycotoxins in novel foods and ingredients.
Dairy Protein Hydrolysates
Development of AOAC SMPRs for characterization of DPH by molecular weight distribution is nearing completion. The initiative addresses critical gaps in standardized definitions and analytical solutions, providing essential resources to food manufacturers, testing laboratories, NGOs, researchers, regulatory agencies, and retail establishments. Once the SMPR for molecular weight distribution analysis is completed, it is anticipated that future work will focus on a second key method needed to determine degree of hydrolysis.
Dietary Fiber and Other Carbohydrates
Launched in March 2025, the AOAC Dietary Fiber and Other Carbohydrates (DFC) Program was developed to address method needs and gaps in carbohydrate analysis. As its first priority, stakeholders identified a need for comprehensive end-user guidance on dietary fiber method selection. A working group is in progress with two new subgroups focused on (1) fiber explanation table and types of fiber and (2) food and ingredient-based approach for method for decision-making tool.
Organic Authenticity
The AOAC Organic Authenticity initiative was launched in June 2025 to develop standards and validate fit-for-purpose methods for testing organic fertilizer (nitrogen) fraud in crops. Standards development is underway for authenticity of nitrogen input in organic crops.
Vitamins Analysis
In October 2025, AOAC launched a program to modernize analysis of vitamins in foods and dietary supplements. Working group tasks will include development of SMPRs and potentially guidance document(s). A working group is being formed to focus on the first priority—analysis of B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B7). Other priorities identified by the advisory panel include B12 vitamers and fat-soluble vitamins.
Membership
In 2025, AOAC saw increases in organizational and individual memberships, underscoring the Association’s expanding partnerships and the value organizations continue to find in AOAC’s offerings. Looking ahead, AOAC is placing a strong focus on membership recruitment in 2026, with a renewed commitment to growing both organizational and individual participation. With new engagement opportunities on the horizon, the Association is hopeful that 2026 will mark a year of significant growth. AOAC looks forward to re-engaging current members and welcoming new individuals and organizations into its vibrant community.
Sections
On March 12, 2025, the AOAC Board of Directors approved the formation of the South West Pacific Section of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. The section encompasses 21 countries in the Asia Pacific region, an important economic trading bloc. AOAC INTERNATIONAL now has 15 Sections connecting analytical communities worldwide, representing four continents and more than 120 countries.
AOAC sections are critical partners in helping the Association identify emerging issues from around the globe. Regional AOAC section-led efforts can progress for potential development to broader AOAC scientific initiatives. Initiated in AOAC sections, pesticide multiresidue analysis in herbs and spices and bioassays in food testing are just two of the most recent topics identified by AOAC stakeholders as areas of opportunity that are transitioning into AOAC INTERNATIONAL scientific initiatives to develop standards and Official Methodssm.
This year, the AOAC Europe Section was recognized as Section of the Year for its role in advancing analytical excellence in the areas of food safety, food integrity, and public health.
Annual Meeting and Exposition
Nearly 650 analytical science leaders from 38 countries gathered in San Diego, California, USA, August 23-28, 2025, to share expertise, collaborate, and expand their networks and professional horizons at the 139th AOAC Annual Meeting and Exposition. With 29 scientific sessions, 51 exposition booths, 153 poster presentations, and daily receptions, the AOAC Annual Meeting was a hub of analytical science dialog and networking by members and stakeholders who have a passion for the best science.
“It was exciting to hear from members and see testimonials on LinkedIn about the value of the AOAC Annual Meeting and how it helps achieve members’ professional goals,” Schmidt said. “Let’s build on this energy to continue to advance science in areas most impacting our stakeholders, foster important connections, and grow a future pool of experts and leaders for AOAC.”
In addition to celebrating 15 years of SPIFAN and SMPRs, AOAC honored Thomas Jensen, Nebraska Department of Agriculture (retired), with a Special Recognition Award for his dedication and commitment as a 50-year member of AOAC.
Be sure to join us in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, in 2026, to share and generate new and exciting ideas around hot topics in food safety, make valuable connections, and celebrate the 140th AOAC Annual Meeting.
Publications
OMA
Persisted access became available for the OMA Online, with the “Remember me” functionality. This component is beneficial to users who need to be logged on for more than 45 minutes.
AOAC and Oxford University Press (OUP) are continuously working to provide the most up-to-date material and optimal user experience for OMA Online.
J. AOAC Int.
In 2025, the Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL experienced fewer quality submissions than anticipated. While this posed challenges, it also provided valuable insight into areas in which J. AOAC Int. can grow and innovate. To broaden opportunities for contributors, J. AOAC Int. introduced a new “General Topics” section designed to welcome submissions that may not fit neatly into existing categories.
The past year also opened the door for guest editor-led sections, which will be published in the upcoming year. AOAC extends its sincere thanks to J. AOAC Int. Editor-in-Chief Xu-Liang Cao, Health Canada, section editors, and guest editors whose commitment have brought these initiatives to life.
Looking ahead to 2026, J. AOAC Int. is excited to share six special sections on innovations in green analytical chemistry for agri-food products and for food and dietary supplement analysis; psychedelic plants and fungi; quality assurance of food and botanical dietary supplements; exposure monitoring and assessment of human, food, and environmental samples; and pesticide and veterinary drug residues in food.
AOAC is confident that 2026 will bring not only an increase in submissions but also a rise in their quality and impact.
ILM
In addition to Association news, Inside Laboratory Management continues to champion the value of AOAC membership and volunteer engagement by regularly spotlighting contributors. ILM highlighted students, early-career researchers, and key participants in emerging AOAC projects.
AOAC-USDA/FSIS MOU
In June 2025, AOAC signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food Safety and Inspection Service that supports collaboration on method validation, certification, training, and proficiency testing. AOAC-approved methods will be recognized as fit for use in FSIS programs.
Opportunities in 2026
The importance and contributions of AOAC and its members and stakeholders continue to rise, and this past year was no different.
“As we head into 2026, AOAC keeps the momentum going with a focus on expanding current scientific initiatives as well as developing new ones,” said AOAC Deputy Executive Director and Chief Science Officer Kate Mastovska. “AOAC scientific initiatives engage and bring together industry, government, and academia in advisory panels, working groups, and ERPs to develop standards and validate methods needed by different stakeholders. In addition, they integrate AOAC core programs, generate publications, and attract new AOAC members and Annual Meeting attendees.”
Based on prioritization of current program advisory panels, AOAC is preparing to launch standards development processes for:
Other potential initiatives in 2026 include:
For more information on AOAC initiatives or to participate, click here.
Thank you, members, stakeholders, volunteers, and partners for making 2025 a success and for being part of the AOAC community. AOAC is excited about what can be achieved together in 2026 and looks forward to more advances in collaboration and innovation.
AOAC INTERNATIONAL brings together government, industry, and academia to establish standard methods of analysis that ensure the safety and integrity of foods and other products that impact public health around the world.
AOAC INTERNATIONAL
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