Horizontal Methods for Sampling Techniques from Surfaces Using ISO 18593 Contact Plates and Swab Samples

Chemical Tests

Horizontal Methods for Sampling Techniques from Surfaces Using ISO 18593 Contact Plates and Swab Samples

The ISO 18593 standard, developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specifies horizontal methods for sampling techniques using contact plates or swab samples on surfaces in the food industry environment (and food processing plants) to detect or enumerate live microorganisms.

Horizontal Methods for Sampling Techniques from Surfaces Using ISO 18593 Contact Plates and Swab Samples

The term "environment" means any item that comes into contact with the food product or is likely to represent a source of contamination or recontamination, such as materials, facilities, operators.

This document is not valid for verification of cleaning and disinfection processes.
This document does not apply to sampling techniques for primary production samples under ISO 13307. Sampling techniques for carcasses are covered by ISO 17604.
Sampling techniques for the analysis of noroviruses and hepatitis A viruses are covered by ISO 15216-1. This document does not advise on sampling frequency, the number of sampling points, or the need to rotate sampling points because they are chosen on a case-by-case basis.

Sampling schemes aim to assess microbial contamination levels of surfaces from the food chain environment to implement corrective actions to prevent food contamination by microorganisms. Ineffective sampling programs or techniques can result in microorganisms that cannot be detected when present.

This document describes surface sampling methods for detecting or counting microorganisms from surfaces in the food chain environment. Different sampling techniques are described, including contact plates, swab sticks, swabs, and sponges.

Depending on the device and microorganism to be detected or counted, the detection of microbial contamination of the surface can be performed, sampling from the surface and analysis according to certain standards.

Where disinfectant residues are expected, appropriate neutralizers should be added to the diluent or medium prior to sampling to prevent any inhibitory effect of disinfectants on the growth of microorganisms.

Among the services provided by our organization within the framework of material testing services, there are also ISO 18593 standard tests.

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