Expert Review Panel for Kombucha Tea

AOAC SPSFAM ERP REVIEW: MAIN FORM

Submission Date

2016-09-15 11:05:32

Name

Rachel Stryffeler

E-mail

rstryffeler@coca-cola.com

Organization

The Coca-Cola Company

Title of Method

Determination of Alcohol Content in Kombucha Tea by Headspace Solid Phase

AOAC Candidate Method Number (e.g. ALN-01)

KOM-05

Applicable SMPR

Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs®) for Determination of Ethanol in Kombucha

I. Summary of Method

This method uses the headspace analysis ethanol by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for quantitation of ethanol in kombucha. Ethanol in the headspace is extracted by solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) followed by separation and detection by GC-MS. GC-MS is a suitable technique for the analysis of trace volatile compounds such as ethanol. The method was applied successfully to the quantitation of ethanol in kombucha.

Summary:

1. Does the applicability of the method support the applicability of the SMPR? If not, please explain what is missing. II. Review of Method Only

2. Does the analytical technique(s) used in the method meet the SMPR? If not, please specify how it differs from what is stated in the SMPR. 3. Are the definitions specified in the SMPR used and applied appropriately in the method? If no, please indicate how the terms are used. 4. Does the method, as written, contain all appropriate precautions and warnings related to the method's reagents, components, instrumentation, or method steps that may be hazardous? If no, please suggest wording or option(s).

Yes.

For a significant portion of the method validation and testing, non-kombucha teas were used for the analysis. A tea blank was prepared with tea and sugar, but it was not fermented and is assumed to be a still beverage. This may impact the results. Actual kombucha tea samples were tested in duplicate, but not used for a significant portion of the method performance testing.

There were no precautions or warnings given in the method. Safety warnings may be recommended for select reagents and solvents.