Expert Review Panel for Kombucha Tea

AOAC Kombucha ERP Reviewer: Blake Ebersole KOM-06 Ivory et al. method review – Megazyme kit Review of the Method Only 1. Does the applicability of the method support the applicability of the SMPR? If not, please explain what is missing. * The method is an enzymic method to determine ethanol in kombucha, based on the conversion of ethanol to acetaldehyde, and then to acetic acid. The method is an indirect method, but is widely used for analysis of ethanol content, and is expected to be applicable for the SMPR 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. * The techniques shown do not meet the SMPR due to the highest concentration sample tested being approx 20% lower than 2% ABV, the maximum end of the analytical range. 3. Terminology – In most cases, terminology is used appropriately. In some cases, the term reproducibility is used in place of ‘intermediate reproducibility’ or ‘within-lab reproducibility’, In this study, reproducibility is defined as two instruments and analysts, in the same laboratory. 4. Safety precautions – References to safety information was referred to SDS and operators manual. Storage conditions for kombucha samples were not noted. Suggest to add a precaution regarding keeping samples refrigerated and the handling of carbonated samples in glass bottles, if applicable. Review of Supporting Information 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. * Definitions are used appropriately

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. *