Standards on Microbiology of food, animal feed and water

Microbiology in the Food, Animal Feed, and Water: A Cornerstone of Quality and Safety. European CEN standards and International ISO standards on microbiology and water. Safety of drinkable water

Related standards or drafts

Microbiology of food, animal feed and water - Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media (ISO 11133:2014)

60.60 Standard published

CEN/TC 463

Microbiology of food, animal feed and water - Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media - Amendment 1 (ISO 11133:2014/Amd 1:2018)

60.60 Standard published

CEN/TC 463

Microbiology of food, animal feed and water - Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media - Amendment 2 (ISO 11133:2014/Amd 2:2020)

60.60 Standard published

CEN/TC 463

Microbiology of food, animal feed and water — Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media

90.92 Standard to be revised

ISO/TC 34/SC 9

Microbiology of food, animal feed and water — Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media — Amendment 1

60.60 Standard published

ISO/TC 34/SC 9

Microbiology of food, animal feed and water — Preparation, production, storage and performance testing of culture media — Amendment 2

60.60 Standard published

ISO/TC 34/SC 9



Microbiology in the Food, Animal Feed, and Water: A Cornerstone of Quality and Safety

Microbiology's role in maintaining the quality and safety of food, animal feed, and water cannot be stressed enough. European and International standards, playing an instrumental role in regulating this sector, mainly focus on precise microbiological analysis for these critical components.

Microbiology in food entails a comprehensive examination to detect and quantify harmful microbes, including bacteria and pathogens. It ensures that food products, whether processed or fresh, do not harbor any microorganisms that may pose a risk to our health. Moreover, the microbiological examination of food does not only focus on the end products but extends to each phase, from handling to packaging and distributing.

Similarly, the significance of microbiology extends to animal feed as well. The examination is essential to maintain the nutritional value of the feed, prevent contamination, and ensure the wellbeing of livestock. The objective standardization in each process, from production to packaging, ensures consistency in quality and safety.

Furthermore, water, used extensively in food production and associated processes, underscores the need for detailed microbiological evaluation. The potential risk of waterborne pathogens entering the food chain makes this critical. Microbiology's role here is to ensure that the quality of water used in food processing and related operations is not just safe but meets the highest standards.

The holistic approach of microbiology in the food chain extends across all three components— food, animal feed, and water. This systematic application of microbiology standards ensures the safety of the food supply and secures the wellbeing of both people and animals. The interplay of microbiology and European and International standards illustrates a rigorous framework in action, promoting public health, environmental safety, and economic growth in the food industry.