ISO 7218-2024 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 7218:2024 — Microbiology of the food chain — General requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations. This international standard specifies general requirements and gives guidance for microbiological examinations of samples from the food chain (food and animal feed), and for good laboratory practice, method selection, validation and quality assurance for laboratories performing microbiological testing. It is the fourth edition, published as ISO 7218:2024 (often referenced as St ISO 7218-2024 in product listings).

Abstract

ISO 7218:2024 provides a single, updated set of general requirements and guidance intended to be applied alongside specific horizontal or vertical ISO microbiological methods. The document covers sample handling and preparation, laboratory practices, selection and verification of methods (culture-based and alternative techniques), quality control and assurance, reporting, and competence and safety aspects. It supersedes earlier versions and aligns general laboratory requirements with current practice and accreditation expectations.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 26 June 2024
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 07.100.30 (Food microbiology)
• Edition / version: Edition 4 (2024)
• Number of pages: 80

Scope

This standard applies to microbiological examinations of the food chain from primary production through food and animal feed products and related premises. It specifies general requirements and gives guidance for implementation of specific ISO horizontal and vertical standards, for good laboratory practices in microbiology, and for technical elements relevant to ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. ISO 7218:2024 is applicable to examinations for bacteria, yeasts and moulds and — when supplemented by specific guidance — can be used for parasites and viruses. It does not apply to assays for toxins or other microbial metabolites. The general requirements in ISO 7218 supersede corresponding requirements in specific standards where applicable.

Key topics and requirements

• Principles of sample receipt, handling, chain of custody and storage prior to examination.
• Preparation of test portions, initial suspensions and serial dilutions (in conjunction with the ISO 6887 series).
• Laboratory infrastructure, equipment, environmental controls and contamination prevention.
• Personnel competence, training, safety and biosafety measures.
• Selection, validation and verification of methods (culture, enrichment, MPN, rapid methods and molecular methods).
• Quality assurance and quality control: controls, reference materials, proficiency testing and documentation.
• Reporting, interpretation of results, limits of methods and corrective actions for non-conforming results.
• Specific notes on molecular methods (references to ISO 22174 for PCR requirements and definitions).
• Guidance to support conformity with accreditation requirements such as ISO/IEC 17025.

Typical use and users

ISO 7218:2024 is used by food and feed microbiology laboratories, quality assurance and control teams in the food industry, test-method developers, regulatory authorities, accreditation bodies and consultants. Typical uses include establishing or updating laboratory procedures and policies, aligning laboratory practice with accreditation requirements, integrating general requirements with specific test methods, and training laboratory personnel in best-practice microbiological testing across the food chain.

Related standards

Commonly referenced standards include ISO 22174 (PCR for detection/quantification — general requirements and definitions), the ISO 6887 series (preparation of test samples, initial suspensions and decimal dilutions), ISO 11133 (preparation, production and performance testing of culture media), ISO/IEC 17025 (competence of testing and calibration laboratories) and various ISO horizontal/vertical method standards such as the ISO 6579 family for Salmonella. ISO 7218 is intended to be used together with these specific-method and supporting standards.

Keywords

food microbiology, microbiological examinations, sample preparation, laboratory practice, method validation, quality assurance, ISO 7218:2024, PCR guidance, ISO 22174, ISO/IEC 17025, culture media, sample handling

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 7218:2024 is an international standard titled "Microbiology of the food chain — General requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations" that sets out general laboratory requirements and guidance for microbiological testing across the food chain.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample receipt and handling, test-portion preparation, laboratory facilities and equipment, personnel competence and safety, method selection and verification (culture and alternative methods), quality assurance/quality control, reporting, and interfaces with accreditation requirements. It excludes direct testing of toxins and other microbial metabolites.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Microbiology testing laboratories, food industry QA/QC teams, regulatory authorities, accreditation bodies, method developers and laboratory trainers use ISO 7218 to establish consistent, accredited laboratory practice and to support implementation of specific microbiological methods.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 7218:2024 is the current edition (published 26 June 2024). It supersedes previous editions, including ISO 7218:2007 and its amendment ISO 7218:2007/Amd 1:2013.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. ISO 7218 is part of the "Microbiology of the food chain" family of standards developed by ISO/TC 34/SC 9 and is intended to be used alongside numerous specific horizontal and vertical microbiological method standards and supporting documents (for example ISO 6887 series, ISO 11133, ISO 22174 and others).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords include food microbiology, microbiological examinations, sample preparation, laboratory practice, quality assurance, method validation, ISO 7218, PCR guidance, and accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025).