About

AOAC INTERNATIONAL ensures the safety and integrity of foods and other products that impact public health by convening government, industry, and academia to develop and validate standards, methods, and technologies. Founded in 1884, AOAC is a 501(c)(3) not for profit standards development association. AOAC has evolved into an independent, third-party, nongovernment association of international industry organizations, government agencies, research institutions, and individual scientists, who collaborate on methods and quality measurements. AOAC provides opportunities for its members and scientists throughout the world to network, engage, and deliberate, thereby allowing AOAC to be in the forefront as not only a globally recognized standards development organization but as a leader in developing comprehensive analytical solutions and guidance to enhance food safety and public health efforts alongside global industries, governments, and regulatory agencies, as well as academic and research institutions.

Official Methods of Analysis Program

The Official Methods of Analysis (OMA) program is AOAC INTERNATIONAL's premier methods program. It is distinct from the annual publication, Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL. Learn more on the AOAC INTERNATIONAL website.

Improvements to the OMA online

Since the publication of the 22nd edition of the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL (OMA) on Oxford Academic in 2023, we have been making improvements to the digital presentation of the content to make it easier for users to find the specific methods and consensus standards they need in their research.

We have restructured the content to mirror the way users engage with the OMA, resulting in a more intuitive and efficient user experience. Our latest features include the capability to view and print individual method PDFs, along with enhanced navigation to the indices for Subjects, Methods Numbers, and SMPRs.

Head to the search bar and explore the new functionality.

Important Notices, Disclaimers, and Warnings

Methods.—Analytical methods and procedures in this compendium have undergone rigorous scientific and systematic scrutiny to determine the performance characteristics for the intended analytical application and fitness for purpose. AOAC INTERNATIONAL members and other volunteers have reviewed the analytical results and determined that a particular method is appropriate for the analyte and matrix stated, provided the analysis is conducted by a competent analyst as written. No warranty, implied or expressed, is made by AOAC INTERNATIONAL on the methods described, their safety, or products mentioned. AOAC INTERNATIONAL, its members, and nonmember volunteers who have aided in the development and validation of methods included in this volume assume no responsibility for any economic, personal injury, or other damage that may occur to individuals or organizations because of the use of these methods.

Commercial products.—Names of manufacturers, suppliers, and trade names are furnished solely as a matter of identification and convenience and reflect the conditions within which each method was developed in the originator’s laboratory.

The inclusion of this information does not imply AOAC promotion, approval, endorsement, or certification. The same or equivalent products, instruments, supplies, apparatus, or reagents available from manufacturers and suppliers other than those named, or other brands from other sources, may serve equally well if proper validation indicates their use is satisfactory.

Warning.—Do not perform analyses using AOAC Official Methods^SM unless you are knowledgeable about their potential dangers or hazards and have received appropriate training. Do not handle instruments, supplies, apparatus, reagents, biohazards, or other products when unfamiliar with their operation or the potential hazards associated with their use. If a method requires the use of potentially hazardous equipment or products, see manufacturer’s safety and cautionary instructions. Safety Data Sheets (SDS), or the equivalent, must be read and understood prior to the use of materials specified by a method.

Always use fume hoods, proper ventilation, and protective clothing and equipment when required.

See Appendix B, “Laboratory Safety,” for further information on safety.

AOAC INTERNATIONAL Programs

AOAC INTERNATIONAL’s global science and professional support programs support analytical excellence by developing and validating standards and methods, certifying technical performance and proficiency, and providing training and capacity-building programs. Together, they create the environment essential for global confidence in the food supply. Learn more on the AOAC INTERNATIONAL's website.

Contact AOAC INTERNATIONAL

For further information about AOAC INTERNATIONAL and its programs and services, contact: