MicroVal & AOAC – What these certifications mean for your testing methods
When it comes to microbiological testing in food, one thing matters most: trust in the method. In critical situations – such as a positive Listeria result – every finding must be reliable, traceable, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
That’s where internationally recognized certifications like MicroVal and AOAC come into play.
Especially for the detection of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp., regulators, auditors, and customers demand the highest level of confidence. But how can you recognize a truly reliable method?
The answer: Through independent, international certification such as MicroVal or AOAC – ideally in accordance with ISO 16140-2.
What Are MicroVal & AOAC (RI)? Both organizations validate rapid microbiological methods – such as real-time PCR – against traditional reference methods (e.g., ISO 11290 for Listeria). They independently assess whether a new method:
- Is equivalent or superior to the standard
- Performs reliably under routine conditions
- Delivers robust, reproducible results in practice
MicroVal (certification organisation, validating alternative microbiological methods)
- Validates and certifies alternative methods to comply with EU Regulation 2073/2005
- Validates methods according to ISO 16140
- Internationally recognized validation and certification
AOAC International (Association of Official Analytical Collaboration)
- International organization for the development and validation of standards (methods)
- Recognized by FDA, USDA, and authorities worldwide
- Publishes Official Methods of Analysis (OMA) based on rigorous lab testing
- The AOAC Research Institute (AOAC RI) is a division of AOAC INTERNATIONAL that validates and certifies proprietary testing methods.
Why These Certifications Should Matter to You
MicroVal and AOAC validation and certification of microbiological methods are crucial for ensuring reliable and accurate food safety testing. Validation by these organizations demonstrates that a method performs comparably to established reference methods, providing confidence in its results for regulatory compliance, international trade, and consumer protection. Certification shows that a proprietary method performs equally well as the (internationally standardized) reference method. Both MicroVal and AOAC validations ensure that the microbiological methods used in food safety testing are reliable and produce accurate results.
Our Solution: SureFast® Listeria 3plex ONE Real-Time PCR
- MicroVal (2023LR114) & AOAC-RI (062501) certified
- Easy integration into existing workflows
- Backed by expert support – on-site & online
Learn more & test with confidence.
