ASSOCIATION OF OFFICIAL ANALYTICAL COLLABORATION (AOAC) INTERNATIONAL

In Food & Agriculture, We Set the Standard

AOAC INTERNATIONAL is a globally recognized, 501(c)(3), independent, third party, not-for-profit association and voluntary consensus standards developing organization founded in 1884. When analytical needs arise within a community or industry, AOAC INTERNATIONAL is the forum for finding appropriate science-based solutions through the development of microbiological and chemical standards. The AOAC Official Methods of Analysis database is used by food scientists around the world to facilitate public health and safety and to promote trade.

Founded in 1884 with our beginnings in the USDA and US FDA, AOAC INTERNATIONAL is an independent, non-profit membership association of analytical science professionals in government, industry, and academia worldwide. Our mission is to advance food safety and product integrity through standards, validated test methods, and laboratory quality programs. We publish outcomes, including Official Methods of AnalysisSM, in the Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL and provide laboratory proficiency testing programs. AOAC also facilitates collaboration and training of scientists and other stakeholders to address challenges with sustainable analytical solutions.

AOAC: 138 Years of Collaboration

Key Initiatives

Official Methods Program

The Official Methods of AnalysisSM (OMA) program is AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s premier methods program. This methods program is distinct from the annual publication, Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONALTM. Approved methods undergo rigorous, systematic scientific scrutiny to ensure they are highly credible and defensible—and can be used with confidence by industry, regulatory agencies, research organizations, testing laboratories, and academic institutions.

AOAC Research Institute

The AOAC Research Institute (AOAC RI) is a division of AOAC INTERNATIONAL that promotes and conduct activities to help develop, improve, and validate proprietary testing methods. Our Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) program helps companies and their customers safeguard their businesses, mitigate risk, and protect consumers through trusted, reliable testing methods and products.

Proficiency Testing

AOAC’s Proficiency Testing (PT) helps labs compete in the global marketplace by demonstrating and certifying they meet the highest international standards for accuracy, reliability, and compliance.

Meetings and Trainings

AOAC meetings are where the global analytical science community comes together to learn, network, and advance food safety science to meet current and emerging needs. AOAC organizes international events twice yearly as well as training meetings and local gatherings of the 18 AOAC Regional Sections around the world.

Annual Meeting & Exposition

Typically held in August of each year, this global scientific event provides unparalleled professional development, networking, and collaboration opportunities.

Businesses can meet scientific and regulatory experts and become community leaders, scientists can build professional expertise and share best practices, and regulators can leverage stakeholder collaboration to improve compliance and public safety.

Midyear Meeting and Analytical Solutions Forum

Typically held in March of each year, this hands-on working meeting brings the AOAC community together to advance needed analytical methods through dialog and consensus.

A key element of the Midyear Meeting is the Analytical Solutions Forum, where global stakeholders identify new technologies and emerging analytical needs, and propose actions to address them.

Regional Section Meetings

19 AOAC Sections connect analytical communities across the U.S. and worldwide, representing four continents and more than 120 countries.

Sections provide opportunities for participants to share information, build professional contacts, expand leadership skills, and gain practical management experience. Each Section hosts at least one networking event each year, featuring technical presentations and discussions by leading local and national experts.

Recent and Upcoming Meetings

View agendas and related links from recent events and see what meetings are planned for the coming years.

Training and Education Courses

AOAC offers professional development training online, at the Annual Meeting, and at the Midyear Meeting. Courses are customized to meet the needs of method developers, laboratories, and other analytical scientists at both introductory and advanced levels and feature internationally recognized analytical science and regulatory experts.