ISO 7218:2024 new revision of the standard

Published on 26 July 2024 ISO 7218:2024 new revision of the standard

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY MANON LABORIE, INTERSCIENCE APPLICATIONS MANAGER

Sylvie Viboud

Taking part in the update of this new ISO 7218 version with all the players in the field was a very interesting experience. The new version also incorporates new features about the Spiral plating technique.

Sylvie Viboud, Technical Manager, Microbiology, Interscience R&D
Member of AFNOR Commission V08B and the ISO 7218 group

The new version of ISO 7218 and the Spiral plating technique: towards simplified implementation

The ISO 7218 standard for microbiological analyses in the food industry has recently undergone a major overhaul, introducing significant changes compared to the Spiral plating technique traditionally used. This update aims to improve the Spiral technique’s implementation and interpretation, for more reliable results.

Spiral

What’s new in standard 7218:2024?

The new version of ISO 7218 incorporates new features for the Spiral plating technique, potentially opening up its use for counting other quality indicators such as Lactic Flora, Staphylococcus aureus and others.

This status change is accompanied by simplifying the procedures for integrating the Spiral plating technique.

This update is aligned with other plating techniques, requiring verification of its applicability according to the criterion standard sought (Sections 6.4.3, 11.2.3.3 and 11.2.6.2).

easySpiral Dilute

Clearer interpretation rules for accurate results

This new version provides detailed interpretation rules for the Spiral technique, covering both general and specific cases (Section 11.2.6.2). These guidelines are designed to ensure accurate and reliable results, in line with the criteria established by the laboratory.

More automated dilutions

Changes to this standard include the ability to automatically dilute the sample before plating on the same machine (Section 6.4.4), using the easySpiral Dilute automatic diluter and plater. It opens up the possibility of using 0.9% NaCl as a diluent to ensure that these dilutions are carried out correctly.

What is the ISO 7218 standard?


ISO 7218 is a standard of requirements and techniques for the microbiological examination of food and feed products. It provides laboratories with a comprehensive framework for accurate and consistent microbiological testing. The standard covers everything from sample preparation and handling to the use of specific microbiological methods.

By standardizing microbiological processes, it guides laboratories to effectively detect pathogens and spoilage organisms, to prevent food-borne illness and ensure that products are fit for consumption. This standard is essential for food producers, regulators and testing laboratories, helping to safeguard public health and compliance with international food safety regulations.


Key elements include sampling, test sample preparation, microbiological culture techniques, identification methods and quality assurance procedures to ensure consistent and accurate results.

The use of the various products offered by Interscience meets the requirements of ISO 7218: