Used for small or difficult-to-reach areas where contact plates are impractical. Ideal for large surface areas ( ) to estimate total microbial load.
ISO 18593 is a horizontal method for the enumeration of microorganisms in food and animal feed products. The standard provides a general framework for the microbiological analysis of a wide range of products, including:
The standard, officially titled "Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal methods for surface sampling," provides the essential framework for environmental monitoring in food production. Updated in 2018, this standard defines the "how-to" for collecting samples from equipment, floors, and walls to detect or count microorganisms like Listeria , Salmonella , yeasts, and molds. Scope and Application of ISO 18593
Remember: A surface sampling method is only as good as its standardization. In the high-stakes world of food and animal microbiology, ISO 18593 provides the gold standard. Secure the PDF, master the technique, and protect your consumers—and your business.
Because ISO copyrights its standards, the official is available for purchase from national standards bodies:
This article provides a deep dive into ISO 18593, explaining why this standard is indispensable, how to obtain the official PDF, and the technical nuances of its two primary methods: the swab and the contact plate.
Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal methods for surface sampling