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Methods of Analysis

Accurate and precise methods of analysis are fundamental to ensuring the safety, nutritional quality and regulatory compliance of special dietary foods. Reliable analytical approaches underpin nutrient determination, quality assurance and comparability of results across laboratories and markets. The consistent application of scientifically validated, internationally recognised methods supports sound decision‑making, reduces uncertainty and helps ensure that special dietary foods meet the highest standards of safety and quality worldwide.

Test Methods for Special Dietary Foods

Ensuring the safety and nutritional quality of special dietary foods requires the use of accurate and precise test methods. This platform provides a comprehensive and authoritative guide to the most suitable analytical methods for determining nutrients in special dietary foods.

Developed by ISDI in collaboration with leading standards-setting organizations like AOAC INTERNATIONAL, the International Dairy Federation (IDF) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), this initiative supports regulatory compliance and scientific excellence. It is designed to assist authorities, laboratories and industry professionals in identifying the most reliable and internationally recognized test methods, which helps improve quality assurance and promotes globally harmonized testing.

The purpose of the website is:

  • To support stakeholders – helping regulatory authorities, scientists and manufacturers select and apply the best methods of analysis for special dietary foods.
  • To reduce inconsistency in the application of analytical methods and avoid erroneous product recalls.
  • To serve as a centralized, up-to-date reference reflecting industry expertise and consensus on analytical best practices.

This website is more than a reference – it is a commitment to food safety and quality, innovation and global regulatory harmony.

Visit the website

SPIFAN

As of 1 January 2025, ISDI is the official coordinator of manufacturers supporting AOAC INTERNATIONAL‘s Stakeholder Program on Infant Formula and Adult Nutritionals (SPIFAN). SPIFAN develops consensus-based standards and methods to ensure the safety and quality of infant formula and adult nutritionals and to address the issues that impact the specialised nutrition industry. These standards and methods provide critical guidance to regulators and industry.

SPIFAN was launched by AOAC International in 2010. It has developed more than 50 consensus-based standards and published more than 60 Official Methods of AnalysisSM, with 23 of those being joint AOAC-ISO-IDF methods and 21 adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission as Type II or III methods for infant formula. SPIFAN engages 100+ stakeholders representing six continents. Some of its main activities include:

  • Publishing Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPRs) and AOAC Official Methods of AnalysisSM;
  • Facilitating the evaluation and review of SPIFAN methods by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and International Dairy Federation (IDF), and AOAC review of similar ISO/IDF methods to ensure harmonisation;
  • Facilitating joint submissions, review and evaluation of AOAC SPIFAN methods for consideration as Codex Type II methods (i.e. international reference methods);
  • Creating new standards for novel technologies and ingredients.

SPIFAN provides an opportunity to work at the forefront of method development and standardisation, and the work of SPIFAN contributes directly to product safety.

If you are interested in learning more about SPIFAN or contributing to its work, please contact us at secretariat@isdi.org.

Learn more about SPIFAN