The Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) has approved KeVita-backed testing methodology for alcohol levels in kombucha.
The Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID) method achieved a unanimous vote for adoption of first action Official Method status (AOAC 2016.12) at the 130th Annual Meeting of AOAC International, September 18-21, 2016.
KeVita, a leader in probiotic and kombucha drinks, launched its Truth in Labeling initiative one year ago, to help advance a standardized process for the kombucha and fermented beverages category to test and report alcohol, sugar and calories in their products.
The brand was one of the first to notice that the previously used Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) method was not providing accurate and reliable results. This moved KeVita, given its commitment to Truth in Labeling, to partner with NaturPro Scientific to find a consistent and dependable method to ensure accurate labeling for consumers.
KeVita CEO Bill Moses said: "The goals of our Truth in Labeling initiative are to provide consumers with accurate, clear information so they can make the right choices for their beverage needs.
"Now manufacturers, distributors and retailers have a validated alcohol testing method at Covance Laboratories and we encourage the industry to utilize it to ensure accurate and consistent labeling."
The single-lab validation of the GF-CID was conducted at Covance Labs, and is the first and only testing methodology approved by the AOAC standardizing body. It was the only one out of five proposed methods that was moved to First Action Status at the AOAC's September meeting.
The method met the Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR) determined by a working group comprised of number of industry stakeholders, including KBI, as part of an industry-wide effort to standardize the information on labels.
