SPSFAM EXPERT REVIEW PANEL

4. Based on the supporting information, is the method written clearly and concisely? If no, please specify the needed revisions. 5. Based on the supporting information, what are the pros/strengths of the method? 6. Based on the supporting information, what are the cons/weaknesses of the method?

The method is written clearly, but could be improved by revising it in a format similar to the candidate method BPA-04.

The method demonstrated good sensitivity for BPA analysis, with a detection limit of 0.3 nmol/L for 1 mL of water sample.

Contamination of electrode is an issue at elevated concentrations of BPA, responses decrease by 50% after 100 injections. The method is not linear at levels below 0.5 nmol/L. The method was not demonstrated for its application to beverage products specified in the SMPR other than water.

7. Any general comments about the method?

This method needs specific instrumentation, the ALEXYS BPA analyzer, and thus could be a major limiting factor for its wide applications among laboratories.

MS-based methods are essential to avoid or minimize false positive results due to interferences from challenging samples such as foods. Since more laboratories now have the access to LC or GC based MS instrumentation, this non-MS based method will certainly face challenges for its applications.

Do you recommend this method be adopted as a First Action and published in the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL? Please specify rationale.

I would not recommend this method be adopted as a First Action and published in the Official Methods of Analysis of AOAC INTERNATIONAL based on the following:

1. The method was demonstrated only for its application to drinking water; 2. Detection limit may have not been estimated according to definitions specified in the SMPR; 3. Repeatability was demonstrated using standard solutions only, not real samples;

4. Most laboratories may not have this specific instrumentation; 5. This is a non-MS based method, potential for false positives.