ISO 10273-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal method for the detection of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica (ISO 10273:2017). This international standard specifies a horizontal (generic) culture-based method, with guidance for enrichment, isolation and confirmation, for detection of Yersinia enterocolitica strains associated with human disease in food, animal feeding stuffs and environmental samples in food production/handling areas.

Abstract

ISO 10273:2017 defines a standardized procedure for detecting Yersinia enterocolitica considered pathogenic to humans. The method covers sample types from products intended for human consumption and animal feed, and environmental samples related to food production and handling. It includes principles for pre‑enrichment, selective isolation, and criteria for presumptive and confirmed identification.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed).
• Publication date: 2017 (published March/April 2017; edition 3 published 2017‑03/2017‑04).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 07.100.30 (Food microbiology).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2017).
• Number of pages: 40 pages (ISO published PDF length). Note: some national/adopted versions report slightly different page counts when combined with national forewords/cover pages.

Scope

Specifies a horizontal method for the detection of Yersinia enterocolitica strains associated with human disease. Applicable to foods for human consumption, animal feeding stuffs and environmental samples in food production and handling. The standard gives procedures for sample testing by enrichment and/or direct plating, isolation on selective media, and criteria for presumptive identification and confirmation. It is intended for use where a validated, harmonized detection method is required for surveillance, regulatory and quality purposes.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability to food, feed and environmental samples in the food chain.
• Choice of sample portion and preparation (links with general sample‑preparation standards).
• Pre‑enrichment and selective enrichment procedures recommended for Y. enterocolitica recovery.
• Isolation on selective agar media and recommended incubation conditions.
• Presumptive identification tests (biochemical, colony morphology) and requirements for confirmation (biochemical schemes and/or molecular confirmation where appropriate).
• Performance criteria, interpretation rules and reporting guidance for presence/absence (qualitative detection).
• Reference strains and quality control recommendations for method verification and routine QC.

Typical use and users

Used by accredited food and feed testing laboratories, public health and veterinary diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, food producers and regulatory bodies for surveillance, outbreak investigation and routine quality control testing when detection of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica is required. Laboratories use the standard to harmonize methods, demonstrate conformity and support regulatory compliance.

Related standards

Closely related ISO standards include ISO 6887 (sample preparation and dilutions for microbiological examination) and ISO 7218 / ISO 11133 series on general requirements for microbiological examinations, culture media preparation and performance verification. Other microbiology of the food chain standards (for example methods for Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli) are relevant when building an overall laboratory testing programme.

Keywords

Yersinia enterocolitica; food microbiology; detection method; enrichment; selective media; confirmation; ISO 10273:2017; qualitative detection; food safety; laboratory method.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10273:2017 is an international standard that specifies a horizontal culture‑based method for detection of pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica in food, feed and related environmental samples.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sampling‑related considerations (in conjunction with sample‑prep standards), pre‑enrichment and selective enrichment procedures, isolation on selective agar, presumptive identification criteria and confirmation steps, plus quality control and performance verification guidance for qualitative detection.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited and routine testing laboratories in the food, feed, public health and veterinary sectors, researchers, food industry QA/QC teams and regulatory agencies that require a harmonized method for detecting pathogenic Y. enterocolitica.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 edition (Edition 3) is the current ISO publication; ISO records show the 2017 edition as published and confirmed in subsequent periodic review (confirmation noted by ISO). Earlier editions (1994, 2003) were withdrawn and replaced by the 2017 edition. Users should check official national bodies or ISO for the very latest status before purchase.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the ISO "Microbiology of the food chain" family of standards (ISO/TC 34/SC 9), which includes complementary standards on sample preparation (ISO 6887), general laboratory requirements (ISO 7218), culture media (ISO 11133) and other organism‑specific methods (e.g., Campylobacter, Salmonella).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Yersinia enterocolitica; food safety; detection; enrichment; selective isolation; confirmation; qualitative method; ISO 10273:2017.