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that OMB withdraw its approval of the modification pending development of standard method
performance requirements and further investigation. Hill explained the international implications
of the OMB having approved the modification. Sullivan explained that CODEX will downgrade the
AOAC modified method which is perceived to cast a negative light on AOAC and other methods to
be considered within CODEX.
While there is no precedent for this, there was no opinion by the AOAC Board of Directors on the
scientific validity of the modified Official Method, but rather, withdrawing the approval of the
modification represents “taking a step back” due to lack of adequate procedures and potential
negative perception of AOAC methods by other international organizations that incorporate
AOAC methods.
MOTION:
For OMB to withdraw the approval of the modifications to First Action Official Methods
of Analysis, AOAC 2009.01 and AOAC 2011.25, pending further investigation.
Abbott moved and Cook seconded. Consensus: unanimously in favor.
ACTIONS:
McKenzie to arrange a teleconference with method author within the next day to inform
him of decision.
Notification will follow in AOAC Inside Laboratory Management magazine and revising the
OMA will follow the teleconference with the method author.
b.
Alternative Approaches to Determining Reproducibility – Developing a “Best Practices”
statistics monograph
Hill explained that the a white paper, a best practices document, is being put together for
delivery to the Interagency Meeting at Codex in February. The document is a layman’s
version of the statistical documents detailing alternative options for determination of
reproducibility. Hill explained that a working group was formed to participate in this
effort that includes, Robert LaBudde, Paul Wehling, Sidney Sudberg, and Norma Hill. From
OMB both Graves (Chair of the Committee on Statistics) and Tom Phillips also agreed to
participate.
Hill explained that the document will be preliminary and that Wehling would start the
document and that it would be presented to the Committee on Statistics and the OMB for
their approval.
ACTIONS:
Hill to hold preliminary with the group to get things started on Friday, January 9,
2015.
Wehling to develop a draft of the preliminary document, ideally this document
could be reviewed by the OMB during their February 2015 meeting.
III.
UPDATES
a.
Revised Awards Document
ACTIONS: AOAC staff to send out the revised awards document to all OMB members. This
document will be discussed at the February 2015 OMB meeting.
b.
Upcoming In‐Person Meetings
McKenzie provided an update on the upcoming meetings including the February SPADA meeting,
the February OMB meeting and the AOAC Mid‐Year Meeting.
ACTIONS:
Abbott and Phillips to attend the AOAC SPADA meeting.
McKenzie to Include the Mid‐Year meeting along with OMB liaisons on the OMB February
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