AOAC INTERNATIONAL
POLICYANDPROCEDURESON
VOLUNTEERCONFLICTOF INTEREST
Statement of Policy
While it is not the intention ofAOAC INTERNATIONAL (AOAC) to restrict the personal, professional,
or proprietary activities ofAOACmembers nor to preclude or restrict participation inAssociation affairs
solelyby reasonof such activities, it is the sense ofAOAC that conflicts of interest or even the
appearance of conflicts of interest on the part ofAOACvolunteers should be avoided. Where this is not
possible or practical under the circumstances, there shall bewrittendisclosure by the volunteers of actual
or potential conflicts of interest inorder to ensure the credibility and integrityofAOAC. Suchwritten
disclosure shall bemade to any individual or groupwithin theAssociationwhich is reviewing a
recommendationwhich the volunteer had a part in formulating and inwhich the volunteer has amaterial
interest causing an actual or potential conflict of interest.
AOAC requires disclosure of actual or potential conflicts of interest as a condition of active participation
in the business of theAssociation. The burden of disclosure of conflicts of interest or the appearance of
conflicts of interest falls upon the volunteer.
Adisclosed conflict of interest will not in itself bar anAOACmember fromparticipation inAssociation
activities, but a three-fourthsmajorityof theAOACgroup reviewing the issue presenting the conflict
must concur by secret ballot that the volunteer's continued participation is necessary andwill not
unreasonably jeopardize the integrityof the decision-makingprocess.
Employees ofAOAC are governedby the provision of theAOACpolicyon conflict of interest by staff.
If that policy is indisagreement withormute onmatters covered by this policy, the provisions of this
policy shall prevail and apply to staff aswell.
Illustrations of Conflicts of Interest
1. Avolunteerwho is serving as a committeemember or referee engaged in the evaluationof amethod
or device; who is also an employee of or receiving a fee from the firmwhich ismanufacturingor
distributing themethodor device or is an employee of or receiving a fee from a competing firm.
2. Avolunteerwho is requested to evaluate a proposedmethod or a related collaborative study in
which data are presented that appear detrimental (or favorable) to a product distributed or a position
supported by the volunteer's employer.
3. A refereewho is conducting a study and evaluating the results of an instrument, a kit, or a piece of
equipment whichwill be provided gratis by themanufacturer or distributor to one ormore of the
participating laboratories, includinghis or her own laboratory, at the conclusion of the study.
