AOAC CASP Meeting Minutes, September 7 2019

Standard Method Performance Requirements

Bird and Bramante led a discussion on the activities of the CASP Microbial Contaminants Working Group. They reviewed the group’s membership, all work to date, and the SMPR. The SMPR’s applicability is for “candidate methods used to detect Aspergillus ( Apergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus terreus ) in cannabis (plants/flowers) and/or cannabis products (concentrates, infused edibles and infused non-edibles). Candidate methods may be validated for specific matrices, categories or broader claims.” All comments submitted for this draft SMPR have been addressed.

MOTION to approve the Standard Method Performance Requirements ® (SMPRs) for Detection of Aspergillus in Cannabis and Cannabis Products (Bramante / Hom)

67 in favor, 1 opposed, 13 abstentions. The motion carried.

Bird and Bramante then led a discussion on their working groups’ recommendations for training and education. They stated that, aside from standards, education is one thing that is missing in this industry. They proposed a training module, “Microbiology and Cannabis Testing Facilities.” This module would include an overview of microbiology issues in the cannabis industry, a discussion of best practices in testing cannabis, validation and verification of testing methods, and general microbiology guidance for cannabis laboratories. Coates explained that this will be discussed with the AOAC CASP advisory panel and participants will be advised of next steps. Audino led a discussion on the activities of the CASP Chemical Contaminants Working Group. She reviewed the group’s membership, all work to date, and the SMPR. The SMPR’s applicability is for a “method or suite of methods to identify and quantify selected residual solvents in cannabis derivatives.” Audino reviewed and addressed all comments that had been submitted. MOTION to accept the Standard Method Performance Requirements ® (SMPR ® ) for Identification and Quantitation of Selected Residual Solvents in Dried Cannabis Materials as presented. (Audino / Krogull). Discussion followed this motion. A participant stated that the title should be changed to Identification and Quantitation of Selected Residual Solvents in Cannabis Derived Materials. There were no objections and this change was made. Another participant stated that the level for methanol should be 12,000 rather than 1200 and this was also corrected in real time. A participant asked if this could be applied to hemp and Audino responded that the intent was for this SMPR to be used on cannabis, but it could easily be adapted and referenced by the hemp industry. Report from the Chemical Contaminants Working Group – Susan Audino, Chair

V.

Audino then returned to the motion and called the question: 76 in favor, 6 opposed, 7 abstentions. The motion carried.

AOAC CASP Meeting Minutes, September 7, 2019