More work needs to be done. The AACC has new method validations in the planning stages and we believe that other organizations such as the Joint Research Centre, Ispra of the European Commission and AOAC International have similar studies planned. Two ways to monitor competency and reliability for a laboratory are first to use an accreditation program with an ongoing check sample requirement and second to develop appropriate reference materials. In conclusion, test methods are feasible, but in need of validation and standardization to ensure consistent, reliable results. Despite the need for additional work to ensure good quality in all cereal products, from the grain to the finished breakfast cereal, there is testing and auditing of the food in the US food supply chain.
All indications are that the quality of our food is very good.
The role of the AACC Biotechnology Committee is to provide methods and a set of quality-standards for methods to test grains derived using modern biotechnology techniques. Robust, reliable standard methods and protocols to ensure consistency in the quality of testing are vital to consumer confidence, regulation and commerce. The method has been approved by the AACC Biotechnology Methods Technical Committee and is pending First Approval status, it will be included as a standard method in the AACC Approved Methods book. It publishes journals and books on cereal and food science, including the textbook Principles of Cereal Science and Technology.