Laboratory challenges with new method implementation

Threats to food safety and regulatory compliance are constantly evolving, and the methods for detecting those threats must be adjusted accordingly to ensure fit-for-purpose analytical methods. However, new method implementation requires the collaboration of multiple stakeholders to succeed, creating various challenges.

Drivers of new method implementation

New issues may arise from a customer concern that has resulted from a manufacturing change, pending legislation, a novel food safety concern identified by R&D or academia or new emerging analytical technologies. Given the multiple factors that drive new analytical requirements, this necessitates an ever-evolving review of resource management and technical assessment.

Considerations for new method implementation

The decision to implement a new method depends on the following: consumer demand, expected sample volumes, cost to run the method, the extent of validation and/or verification work, food safety critically of the new hazard. new technical skills required and cost of method implementation.

Verification versus validation?

As a laboratory identifies a new analytical need, their first investigation will usually be to determine if a recognised method (ISO, AOAC, USP, etc) exists to meet that need. If the method exists and the laboratory has the equipment and expertise to perform it, they can fast-track this effort through verification of the method.