ISO 18593:2018 (Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal methods for surface sampling) is the current international standard for detecting and counting culturable microorganisms on surfaces in the food industry. ISO - International Organization for Standardization Purpose and Scope
Environmental Focus: It applies to surfaces in contact with food or likely contamination sources (materials, premises, operators) but not to primary production samples (covered by ISO 13307) or carcasses (covered by ISO 17604). ISO 18593:2018 (Microbiology of the food chain —
The standard details four primary methods for surface sampling, each suited to different surface types and contamination risks: International standard ISO 18593:2018 - Afnor EDITIONS Contact plates (for flat surfaces) Swabs (for irregular
Regulatory Bodies & Auditors: As a benchmark for reviewing hygiene sampling compliance. Important Constraints the cellar air hung heavier
A breakthrough came when they mapped swab results against the dairy’s daily logs. The artisan who repaired hoops on certain days used a soft-bristled brush he kept in a corner near the cellar door. He rinsed it under the tap in a communal sink and left it to drip-dry on a wooden beam. After storms, the cellar air hung heavier; the beam accumulated microdroplets from damp air, and the brush picked up spores and bacteria that migrated into the hoops during repairs.