ISO 10272-2-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal method for detection and enumeration of Campylobacter spp. — Part 2: Colony-count technique. This International Standard specifies a horizontal colony‑count technique for the enumeration of thermotolerant Campylobacter species in food, feed and related environmental and primary‑production samples.

Abstract

ISO 10272-2:2017 describes a laboratory procedure (colony‑count / plate count technique) to enumerate Campylobacter spp. in samples from products intended for human consumption, products for animal feeding, environmental samples in food and feed production/handling areas, and primary production samples such as animal faeces, dust and swabs. The method defines sampling/pretreatment, selective media and incubation conditions, colony selection and confirmation principles for reporting colony‑forming units (CFU) per unit of sample.

General information

• Status: Published (current edition confirmed).
• Publication date: June 2017 (ISO edition 1, published 2017‑06).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 07.100.30 (Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2017); amendment ISO 10272-2:2017/Amd 1:2023 published subsequently.
• Number of pages: 19 pages (main 2017 publication).

Scope

The standard provides a horizontal colony‑count method for enumerating thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. It is intended for use on a wide range of matrices associated with the food chain (foodstuffs, feed, environmental swabs, primary‑production samples). It applies where quantitative results (CFU per unit) are required for food safety testing, process control or surveillance; it does not replace regulatory requirements that specify alternative sampling plans or methods for specific jurisdictions.

Key topics and requirements

• Colony‑count (plate count) procedure for Campylobacter spp.: sample preparation, serial dilutions, inoculation of selective agar, incubation conditions and colony enumeration.
• Requirements for selective culture media, incubation temperature and atmosphere for thermotolerant Campylobacter.
• Colony selection and confirmation steps to distinguish presumptive Campylobacter colonies (including note that molecular confirmation methods were later added by amendment).
• Performance and quality criteria for media and method validation and for reporting results in CFU per unit.
• Guidance on sample types covered: foods for human consumption, animal feed, environmental and primary‑production samples (faeces, dust, swabs).

Typical use and users

Laboratories performing food microbiology testing, public‑health and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, quality and safety teams in food and feed industries, test method validators, and regulatory agencies use this standard for quantitative detection and enumeration of Campylobacter in product testing, process control, surveillance and outbreak investigations.

Related standards

ISO 10272 is a multi‑part series: Part 1 covers the detection method (ISO 10272‑1:2017) while Part 2 covers colony counting (this document). Amendments released in 2023 (Amd 1) update confirmation/identification options and media performance testing; laboratories should consider both the base document and its amendment(s) when applying the method.

Keywords

Campylobacter, colony count, plate count, food microbiology, quantitative enumeration, CFU, horizontal method, ISO 10272, selective media, food safety, environmental sampling.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10272-2:2017 is an International Standard that specifies a colony‑count (plate count) technique for the enumeration of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. in food, feed and related environmental and primary‑production samples.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample preparation, dilution and plating procedures, media and incubation conditions, procedures for selecting and confirming presumptive Campylobacter colonies, and reporting quantitative results as CFU per unit of sample. The 2017 text was later supplemented by an amendment adding molecular confirmation and updated media performance testing.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Food and feed testing laboratories, public‑health and veterinary labs, industry quality/safety departments, method validators and regulatory bodies that require quantitative counts of Campylobacter for safety monitoring, compliance or surveillance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10272-2:2017 is the published edition (2017) and was confirmed in subsequent ISO reviews; an amendment (ISO 10272-2:2017/Amd 1:2023) was published to add molecular confirmation/identification methods and change media performance testing. Users should apply the 2017 standard together with the 2023 amendment where applicable.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 10272 is a series covering Campylobacter methods. Part 1 (ISO 10272‑1:2017) specifies detection methods (enrichment or direct plating); Part 2 (this document) specifies colony‑count technique. Both parts have related amendments published in 2023.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Campylobacter, colony count, plate count, CFU, food microbiology, horizontal method, selective media, confirmation, ISO 10272.