@lefteh
“ANALYTICAL METHODOLOGY: ...FDA respects the worldwide consensus surrounding the applicability, specificity, sensitivity,accuracy, precision, and detectability of methods validated by AOAC International and continues to recommend the use of those methods in obtaining measures of nutrient content. Database developers should submit a table delineating proposed analytical methods for each nutrient, with accompanying information concerning specific validation of the method used by the on-site or commercial lab for the matrix of interest.” http://www.nutrientdataconf.org/PastConf/NDBC21/gov_upd.pdf
“AOAC International is a non-profit scientific association with headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA. It publishes standardised, chemical analysis methods designed to increase confidence in results of chemical and microbiologic analyses. Government agencies and civil organisations often require that laboratories use official AOAC methods.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AOAC_International
And no, I’m digging out the details; they are ‘there’ for anybody to study.