Filling the AOAC triangle with food-matrix standard reference materials

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Reference Materials

Background:

• Accurate nutritional labeling and food safety are crucial for consumer health and international trade.
• Regulatory requirements, such as the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act, necessitate reliable analytical methods.
• Laboratories require well-characterized reference materials for method validation and quality control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a suite of food-matrix Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for nutrient analysis.
• To support the food industry's need for reference materials covering various food compositions.
• To provide traceable materials for validating analytical methods and ensuring accurate nutrition information.

Main Methods:

• Development of food-matrix Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
• Characterization of SRMs for key nutrients including proximates, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Collaboration with the food industry and AOAC International to cover diverse food types.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive suite of 10 food-matrix SRMs has been developed, including SRM 2387 Peanut Butter.
• These SRMs represent all nine sectors of the AOAC International fat-protein-carbohydrate triangle.
• Materials are characterized for a wide range of analytes relevant to food composition.

Conclusions:

• The availability of these food-matrix SRMs facilitates compliance with nutritional labeling laws.
• SRMs provide essential traceability for food exports and enhance the accuracy of nutrition information.
• These reference materials serve as primary control materials for validating analytical methods and ensuring data integrity.