(2 sub topics)
European and International ISO standards for microbiology in the food chain, scientific methods to detect, identify, and quantify the presence, diversity, and behavior of microorganisms in a sample
Microbiology of the food chain - Horizontal method for the detection, enumeration and serotyping of Salmonella - Part 1: Detection of Salmonella spp. (ISO 6579-1:2017)
60.60 Standard published
Microbiology of the food chain - Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of microorganisms - Thermal performance testing of thermal cyclers (ISO 20836:2021)
60.60 Standard published
Microbiology of the food chain - Horizontal method for the detection, enumeration and serotyping of Salmonella - Part 1: Detection of Salmonella spp. - Amendment 1 Broader range of incubation temperatures, amendment to the status of Annex D, and correction of the composition of MSRV and SC (ISO 6579-1:2017/Amd 1:2020)
60.60 Standard published
Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs - Horizontal method for the enumeration of coagulase-positive staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and other species) - Part 3: Detection and MPN technique for low numbers (ISO 6888-3)
30.98 Project deleted
Microbiology of the food chain - Horizontal method for the enumeration of coagulase-positive staphylococci (Staphylococcus aureus and other species) - Part 1: Method using Baird-Parker agar medium - Amendment 1 (ISO 6888-1:2021/Amd 1:2023)
60.60 Standard published
The food and feed value chain is governed by stringent European and International standards that ensure safety, hygiene, and high quality. Central to this rigorous mechanism is the discipline of microbiology, considering various facets such as the microbiology of food and animal feed, food and animal feeding stuffs, food, animal feed and water, and the entire food chain.
The microbiological examination of food and animal feed plays a crucial role in verifying the safety and nutritional viability of products. These examinations detect and enumerate harmful bacteria and pathogens, ensuring the health of consumers and livestock alike. Microbiology's application in food and animal feeding stuffs goes a step further. It oversees not just the end product, but the entire process of production, packaging, and distribution— an all-encompassing strategy that minimizes risk at every stage.
Water, another critical component, is also rigorously scrutinized. The microbiology of food, animal feed, and water is essential in assuring the quality of water used in food production, processing, and related operations. It's critical to impede the introduction of waterborne bacteria, yeasts, and molds that potentially affect the safety of the products.
The holistic aspect of microbiological control is embodied in the microbiology of the food chain. It encompasses examination through every link of the food chain— for example, from primary production stages to retailing and catering. This ensures comprehensive quality control and mitigates the risk of microbial contamination along with the entire supply chain.
In essence, the intersection of microbiology and food safety standards represents a strategic and scientific approach to the quality control of food products. Driven by European and International standards, it's a crucial element in fortifying public health, safeguarding the environment, and sustaining economic prosperity in the food and feed industry.
