OMB Codex 234 Working Group Meeting Book (April 27, 2018)

MEMORANDUM

Date:

April 27, 2018

To:

Melissa Phillips – Chair of the OMB Working Group on Codex STAN 234

From:

Deborah McKenzie, Staff Liaison – AOAC Official Methods Board

Subject:

OMB Working Group on Codex STAN 234 – Recap

The working group met on Thursday, February 22, 2018.

The milk experts reviewed their findings with the working group and there were three (3) major items that surfaced for the working group to discuss. 1. Version of the Codex STAN 234 from which working group based its work Milk experts associated with other standards organizations were referencing a different version of the standard than the version the working group originally referenced. 2. Several topics were raised that the working group did not consider for those completing a review and will require working group input. a. Other AOAC methods referenced within an AOAC method that are not listed in the Codex STAN 234. b. A fit for purpose AOAC methods is listed with other fit for purpose methods in Codex STAN 234, but not equivalent to the other methods listed. c. Multiple AOAC methods listed for the same commodity and analyte; is only one needed or are both needed? d. Types of recommendations that may result from undergoing this process may include recommendations for changes that may depend on the existence of other methods. e. Consideration of whether or not the feedback/information collected should result in recommendations on changes to OMA.

3. Potential Changes to the Rubric and Electronic Form

a. Rubric: Add a separate question for “Is further review needed?” b. Rubric: Clarity on fitness for purpose for an OMA vs other method, and working group needs access to guidance on definitions of method types and associated requirements.

Recap of 2-22-2018 OMB WG on Codex STAN 234 Meeting version 1