AOAC INTERNATIONAL's three validation programs for methods used in the microbiological analysis of foods

The sheer number of microbiological methods, both rapid and conventional, that have become available during the past ten years has underscored the need for methods validation. The Association of Official Analytical Chemists INTERNATIONAL has responded by offering a variety of validation programs, each with different objectives, approaches, requirements and advantages. The harmonization of these validation efforts with those of other international organizations is needed to achieve uniformity of methods in an expedient and cost-effective manner.