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Food Microbiology Testing/
ISO 11290-2 Listeria Enumeration in Soft CheesesISO 11290-2 Listeria Enumeration in Soft Cheeses Laboratory Testing Service: A Comprehensive Guide
Overview of ISO 11290-2 Standard
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has developed a comprehensive standard for the enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes in soft cheeses. The standard, titled Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs Horizontal method for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes, is designated as ISO 11290-2:1998.
Relevant Standards and Regulations
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Standard Development Organizations
The development of ISO 11290-2 was led by a committee of experts from various countries. The standard has undergone several revisions to ensure it remains relevant and effective.
Evolution of Standards
Standards are regularly updated to reflect new scientific knowledge, technological advancements, or changes in regulatory requirements. Eurolabs laboratory testing services stay up-to-date with the latest standards and regulations.
Standard Numbers and Scope
Why ISO 11290-2 is Required
The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in soft cheeses poses a significant risk to consumer health. This test ensures compliance with national regulations, reduces the risk of contamination, and promotes product safety.
Business and Technical Reasons for Conducting this Test
Consequences of Not Performing this Test
Failure to detect Listeria monocytogenes in soft cheeses may result in:
Test Procedure Overview
The ISO 11290-2 standard outlines a detailed procedure for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes in soft cheeses. The test involves:
1. Sample Collection: Soft cheese samples are collected from production sites or suppliers.
2. Preparation: Samples are prepared according to the standards guidelines, which includes homogenization, filtration, and inoculation with a selective medium.
3. Inoculation: Selective agar plates are inoculated with the sample preparation, allowing for the growth of Listeria monocytogenes.
4. Incubation: Plates are incubated at specific temperatures (30C 1C) to promote the growth of Listeria monocytogenes.
5. Enumeration: The number of colonies is counted and expressed as CFU/g (colony-forming units per gram).
Testing Equipment and Instruments
Eurolabs laboratory uses advanced equipment, such as:
Reporting Requirements
The test report includes the following information:
1. Sample Identification: Soft cheese type, production date, and batch number.
2. Testing Parameters: Testing method, sampling procedure, and analytical techniques used.
3. Results: Listeria monocytogenes enumeration (CFU/g) and any associated microbiological data.
4. Conclusion: Interpretation of results in relation to regulatory requirements.
Documentation Requirements
All test reports must be accompanied by:
1. Raw Data: Raw analytical data, including images or photographs of the agar plates.
2. Sampling Protocol: Detailed description of sampling procedures and protocols used.
3. Analytical Method: A brief description of the testing method employed.
Eurolabs expert team is dedicated to providing reliable, precise, and efficient laboratory testing services.