Given the non-biodegradability, mobility, and persistence of metals in the environment, metals can enter into food. Consequently, testing for metals in foods and food additives, such as colorants, is an important focus area for AOAC INTERNATIONAL (AOAC). The AOAC's metals scientific community has formed a working group to review various regulations and new requirements for trace metals content in food and colorants with the intent to update the current Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR®) for a selection of metals.

This work shall set the framework for the development of Official Methods of Analysis^SM (OMA), which are tested to meet the performance requirements outlined in the SMPR. Since AOAC is an international organization with a focus on global methods and performance harmonization, the working group also reviews existing methods based on Codex Alimentarius Commission (Codex) requirements for metals analysis in various food commodities. In this article, the authors discuss the potential sources and challenges associated with metals in food, recent development in international regulatory limits, the SMPR revision, and relevant activities related to Codex.