," is the primary international benchmark for sampling microorganisms from surfaces in food processing environments. It provides standardized procedures to detect and count bacteria, yeasts, and molds on equipment, utensils, and work surfaces. iTeh Standards Key Overview of ISO 18593 The current version, ISO 18593:2018
Included a new Annex (Annex A) providing specific examples of neutralizing agents to use during sampling to counteract disinfectants. Accessing the Full Text
If a surface has recently been sanitized, residues of disinfectants (chlorine, quaternary ammonium compounds, alcohols) may remain. Without specific neutralizing agents in the agar or swab diluent, these residues would continue to kill bacteria during transport, leading to "false negative" results. ISO 18593 provides guidelines on validating that the sampling method effectively neutralizes these agents, ensuring the microbiological picture is accurate.
The standard mandates that transport media must neutralize residual disinfectants. The verified PDF lists approved neutralizers:
