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The Community seeks members internationally including global representatives from governments, academia, producers, processors, distributors, importers and exporters, working together to develop analytical standards of excellence in their areas of expertise. The Community will serve as a primary resource for timely knowledge exchange, networking and high quality laboratory information for all stakeholders.

The Community will work with other professional organizations to champion the best methods for single laboratory, inter-laboratory or collaborative study.

Professionals involved in the production, distribution or analysis of foods may join the Community by contacting one of the Chairs. Most communications within the Community do not require in-person meetings. Electronic (conference calls and internet) communications are more efficient and address most concerns in time commitment, travel funding restrictions, and international time zone limitations. Electronic mail is also used but the creation of new subgroups and growth of the Community (and email inbox overload) demands the online forum approach.
Face-to-face meetings and conference calls are also held in conjunction with other professional meetings (regional and national) as well as appropriate scientific and trade association meetings. The next face-to-face meeting is planned for the FPRW in July 2008.

Once community members have identified specific method needs and significant support for method development and validation, a committee of experts will be established to develop and validate the most appropriate method/s. Interlaboratory studies may involve the analysis of pesticides, metals, radioactivity, antibiotics, animal drugs, and other chemical contaminants. Those methods demonstrating sufficient accuracy, precision, and selectivity will be recommended for publication and/or collaborative study.

last updated: 11-1-2008, jmc