What is BS EN ISO 6579:2018?

Bacteria are one of the greatest concerns when it comes to food safety and public health. Contaminated food can cause serious illness, leading to hospitalization or even death. To protect consumers, standards and guidelines have been developed to ensure the safety of food products throughout the entire supply chain. One such standard is BS EN ISO 6579:2018.

The Purpose of BS EN ISO 6579:2018

BS EN ISO 6579:2018 is an international standard that specifies a horizontal method for the detection of Salmonella spp. in food samples. Salmonella is a type of bacteria commonly found in raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, and meat, as well as in contaminated fruits and vegetables. This standard sets out the guidelines for laboratories to follow when testing food samples for the presence of Salmonella.

The Testing Process

The process described in BS EN ISO 6579:2018 involves several steps. First, the food sample is collected and prepared for analysis. Then, a pre-enrichment step is carried out, where the sample is incubated in a nutrient-rich medium to encourage the growth of any potential Salmonella bacteria. After this, a selective enrichment step is performed, using a specific selective broth to further promote Salmonella growth while inhibiting the growth of other bacteria.

Following enrichment, the sample undergoes plating onto selective agar plates. These plates contain nutrients and indicators that allow for the isolation and identification of Salmonella colonies. Suspected colonies are further confirmed through biochemical tests and serological methods. The final step involves reporting the results and interpreting them based on specific criteria outlined in the standard.

Benefits and Importance

BS EN ISO 6579:2018 plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of food products. By providing standardized guidelines and procedures, it helps laboratories accurately detect and identify the presence of Salmonella in samples. This enables early intervention and appropriate actions to prevent contaminated products from reaching consumers, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and their associated health complications.

Additionally, this standard facilitates harmonization and consistency in testing practices across different laboratories and countries, allowing for reliable comparisons and data exchange. It also serves as a reference for regulatory bodies when implementing food safety regulations and inspections. Overall, BS EN ISO 6579:2018 is an essential tool in safeguarding public health and maintaining high standards in the food industry.