Meeting regulatory requirements and HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) plans.
The agar surface is pressed firmly against the test area for a specific duration (typically 10 seconds) with a standardized pressure.
A petri dish filled with agar media (contact plate) is pressed directly onto the surface. The standard outlines specific protocols depending on the
This technique involves using a sterile, pre-moistened sponge or fabric cloth to wipe large surface areas. Large surface areas (greater than
You might ask, "Why can't I just wipe a table and check it?" Without a standardized method, results are meaningless. Here is why ISO 18593 matters: master the technique
Evaluate the counts and implement corrective actions if necessary.
The standard outlines specific protocols depending on the type of surface being tested, the size of the area, and whether the sampling is quantitative (counting colonies) or qualitative (detecting the presence/absence of a pathogen). 1. Contact Plates (Quantitative) or national standards bodies (like BSI
is the globally recognized international standard that outlines horizontal methods for surface sampling within the food chain environment. Officially titled Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal methods for surface sampling , this standard provides standardized protocols for collecting environmental samples to detect and enumerate culturable microorganisms, including pathogenic bacteria (such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella ), non-pathogenic bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
When searching for the official , ensure you are obtaining it from legitimate, authorized sources such as the official ISO portal, ANSI, or national standards bodies (like BSI, DIN, or AFNOR).
Remember: A surface sampling method is only as good as its standardization. In the high-stakes world of food and animal microbiology, ISO 18593 provides the gold standard. Secure the PDF, master the technique, and protect your consumers—and your business.
Here is a link to the pdf: You can search on the official ISO website: https://www.iso.org/