What an exciting time to be part of the important work of the Association—a world-class leader in providing science-based solutions through voluntary consensus standards development and Official MethodsSM. It is a time for new ideas and new engagements.
Novel foods from alternative protein sources; per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food packaging; and ethylene oxide residues in foods, dietary supplements, and ingredients are just some recent examples of emerging topics introduced and examined previously through AOAC’s Analytical Solutions Forum (ASF) that are now implemented as new AOAC programs (see the cover story of this issue on novel foods from alternative protein sources as an innovative solution to meet the growing global population’s demand for food and sustainability).
In addition, AOAC is initiating work on milk fat globule membrane protein in infant and adult/pediatric nutritional formula, metagenomic sequencing for biothreat detection, and Legionella in water—all in different stages of development.
And there’s more. Botanical identity verification, whey protein hydrolysates, pesticide residue analysis in herbs and spices, and microbial biostimulants and biofertilizers are hot topics on the horizon.
There’s no shortage of opportunities to become involved. Participate on working groups, expert review panels, advisory panels, or other AOAC committees. Submit papers, methods, or comments. For all the ways you can have a voice in driving priorities, setting standards, and recommending the best methods that are fit-for-purpose and most needed in your community, visit the What’s Happening at AOAC page on the AOAC website.
Perhaps the best examples of the Association’s important work can be seen at the AOAC Annual Meeting and Exposition, where members’ passion for science is unsurpassed. I urge you to attend at least one of the stakeholder meetings and see for yourself the proven AOAC process in action.
In line with AOAC’s new integrated program on novel foods from alternative protein sources, Wiley Award winner Michelle Colgrave, deputy director for Science Impact in the Agriculture and Food Division with CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization; Australia’s national science agency) and professor of Food and Agricultural Proteomics at Edith Cowan University, will address the challenges of meeting the growing global food demand while maintaining human and environmental health. She will share how emerging alternative sources of protein are a viable option to meet these challenges, but analytical solutions like proteomics (large-scale study of proteins) are needed to address their potential for increasing prevalence of allergy or cross-reactivity (see “Wiley Award Address: Using Proteomics to Safeguard Our Health and Deliver Foods of the Future”).
AOAC cannot achieve success without the dedicated support of our members, volunteers, partners, and customers. More standards and methods and greater international recognition all lead to new opportunities that benefit the analytical community as a whole. Now more than ever, it is a critical time to become involved and help provide solutions with the common goal to advance science by establishing global standards and delivering more methods faster. We are excited to see you in Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
—Mary Kay Krogull
President
MaryKay.Krogull@ft.eurofinsus.com
