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Unknowns Subgroup of the Chemical Contaminants and Residues Community,

Thank you for your participation and/or interest in the Unknowns Subgroup of the Chemical Contaminants and Residues Community.  During our initial meeting at the AOAC conference in Anaheim, we proposed a draft framework for the scope and purpose of this subgroup as follows:

• Emerging Issues in Food or Food Contact Contaminants and Residues (example:  melamine in pet food)
  • Reaction Products
  • Intentional Adulterants
  • Unapproved Additives and Processes
  • Formation of an "Emerging Issues" Network
• Screening Methods for Unknowns/Adulterants
  • Raw Material and Finished Product Screening
  • Method Performance Criteria (at time of use vs. full validation)
  • Criteria for Identification of Unknowns

This subgroup is rather unique in that there is not a single target analyte/matrix for which methods can be discussed and developed, but rather the target analytes are "unknown contaminants/adulterants" and methods are needed to screen for and identify such compounds. 

As expected there appears to be some diverse interests on this topic of "unknowns" I would like to request that each member fill out the attached Method Performance Criteria Form. I have attached an example for your reference. Some ground rules to keep in mind
 
Please identify the top two priorities that you want to work on, we want to keep this Chemistry and/or Food at this point

These should be combinations that you would be willing to work on in your laboratories so we have participation from as many laboratories as possible

Please identify methods that you are already working on in your laboratory and attach a summary of the method.

Return to Mark Goldschmidt, Mark.Goldschmidt@sensient-tech.com

Example of Performance Criteria

Performance Criteria "Form"

We have also attached the current roster of the Unknowns Subgroup.  Please double check that your information is correct and to see if your application for the subgroup has been received.  If you have not filled out the application, please use the attached registration form and send it back to me by email so I can forward it to the Community Chair.

And finally, we anticipate that you may have colleagues or other contacts who may be interested in joining the Unknowns Subgroup.  Please forward this email to them along with the registration form so I can add them to our roster.  AOAC membership is not required to participate in the subgroup.

Co-Chairs:

Jonathan Litzau, Litzau, Jonathan [jonathan.litzau@fda.hhs.gov]

and

Mark Goldschmidt, Mark.Goldschmidt@sensient-tech.com

Unknowns Subgroup Method Needs!

Community Registration Form!

Unknowns Subgroup Members!