The tendency of referencing to AOAC methods in TCVNs, QCVNs and harmonizing TCVNs in the food chain according to the AOAC methods

Abstract

At the end of 2022, Vietnam's standard system (TCVN) had 2026 national standards related to the food chain (food and feed), of which the number of test method standards accounts for nearly 70 %. The test method standards have played an extremely important role in the food chain. The harmonization of TCVN on test methods for the food chain according to international standards (ISO standards) is always a priority in the process of developing and perfecting the TCVN system. Moreover, there are also many TCVNs built on the basis of harmonizing (or referencing) methods of the International Association of Official Analytical Collaboration (AOAC International). This article analyzed a number of cases in which the AOAC method is referenced in the national standards and national technical regulations of Vietnam; the harmonization of national standards according to the AOAC method and the use of the AOAC method in a number of public and non-public laboratories. From the above analysis results, it is possible to comment on the trend of using AOAC methods in testing activities in Vietnam.