The Association of Official Analytical Chemists

cal Chemists D, MACLEAN Executive Dircctor, Association of Official Analytical Chemists, 1111 North 19th Steet, Suite 210, Atlington, Virginia 22209, U.S.A. Report of a Paper presented to the Association of Public Analysts on 16 June 1982 The Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), a non-profit making scientific organisation, provides a mechanism by vr’hich scientists work together to develop, test, and collaboratively study methods of analysis. AOAC methods have a world-wide reputatiol for reliability and are often specified by government agencies and industry in several countries for research, quality control, and determining compliance with law’ Origins and DeYelopment The Association of Ofrcial Analytical Chemists (AOAC) was organised in 1884 as the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists by state and federal chemists in the United States of America to establish methodology for analysing fertiliser. Under Harvey W. Wiley in 1890, the scientific activities of AOAC were expanded to include feeds, foods, and pesticides. AOAC methods played an important role in the enforcement of state food laws and the first U.S. Food and Drug Act (1906). The Journal of the AOAC