AOAC SPSFAM ERP for SELECTED FOOD ALLERGENS

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). 1. Are the definitions specified in the SMPR used and applied appropriately in the supporting documentation (manuscripts, method studies, etc...)? If not, please explain the differences and if the method is impacted by the difference. 2. Is there information demonstrating that the method meets the SMPR Method Performance Requirements using the Reference Materials stated in the SMPR? If not, then specify what is missing and how this impacts demonstration of performance of the method. 3. Is there information demonstrating that the method performs within

Yes, although more detail may be beneficial. The method instructs users to refer to safety data sheets and local rules for health and environmental safety. Even though the potential hazards associated with this method are similar to other general laboratory procedures, it may be beneficial for an end user to have the hazards identified more specifically (e.g. hazards associated with handling formic acid or hexane and appropriate precautions). No. As stated in previous answer, the use of dried versions of whole milk and whole egg instead of the liquid versions, as defined in the SMPR, cause issues with the subsequent results and measurement units. While the dried versions of the allergenic foods are indeed more suitable to work with (and more relevant to the food industry), they are not what is defined in the SMPR. The authors would at least need to very specifically define any theoretical or empirical conversions between the materials, which they do not appear to have done given the information in the submission. Yes- for the materials used as calibrants for the method. The authors did not, however, analyze any external incurred reference materials, only those prepared in house. Whether or not the reference materials indicated in the SMPR are relevant for demonstrating performance is somewhat debatable, but as mentioned elsewhere, the authors should demonstrate method performance on samples other than those used to create the calibration curve.

No. The authors should give the actual values for performance requirements such as MDL, MQL, and RSDr, instead of just less than values. It is also