The standard details several validated methods for capturing microbiological samples from contact and non-contact surfaces. The choice of method depends on the nature of the surface (e.g., flat, rough, large, or small). 1. The Contact Plate Method
This article provides a detailed overview of the standard, its methods, and why verified, up-to-date documentation is critical for food safety professionals. What is ISO 18593?
Organizations such as BSI (UK), ANSI (USA), DIN (Germany), or AFNOR (France) provide authenticated, localized copies of the standard. The standard details several validated methods for capturing
Allows for direct enumeration (counting) of colony-forming units (CFUs) after incubation. 2. The Swab Method
Relying on a "verified" or official ISO 18593 PDF (such as that available via ISO.org) is crucial for several reasons: The Contact Plate Method This article provides a
: The swab or sponge must release the trapped bacteria into the diluent during laboratory processing (e.g., via vortexing or stomaching).
ISO 18593 is not glamorous. It doesn't involve DNA sequencers or AI. It involves a wet sponge, a plastic stencil, and a very specific way of rubbing a surface. a plastic stencil
The 2018 version added specific recommendations for sampling procedures (location, area, and time) and expanded the examples of neutralizers in Annex A. ISO - International Organization for Standardization Standard Document Details Current Status Published and confirmed as current (last reviewed in 2023) Technical Committee ISO/TC 34/SC 9 (Food products - Microbiology) 07.100.30 (Food microbiology) Official Version ISO 18593:2018 on the official ISO website Previews/PDFs Publicly accessible previews are available via standards.iteh.ai BSI Standards Common Exclusions The standard specifically Validation of cleaning and disinfection procedures. Primary production samples (covered by ISO 13307). Sampling of carcasses (covered by ISO 17604).
International Standard ISO 18593: Microbiology of the Food Chain — A Comprehensive Guide to Verified Surface Sampling
[Collect Sample] ➔ [Transport at 1-8°C] ➔ [Homogenize/Vortex] ➔ [Serial Dilution] ➔ [Inoculate Agar] ➔ [Incubate & Count]
