ISO 6887-6:2013

Overview

ISO 6887-6:2013 - Microbiology of food and animal feed: Preparation of test samples, initial suspension and decimal dilutions - Part 6 provides specific rules for preparing samples taken at the primary production stage (farm, hatchery, transport, slaughterhouse) for microbiological examination. It complements ISO 6887-1 (general rules) by detailing how to handle samples that require different treatment than the general method. The standard focuses on obtaining representative initial suspensions and further decimal dilutions to support both detection and enumeration of microorganisms relevant to animal health and zoonotic agents. It does not apply to meat hygiene assessments or aquatic primary production samples.

Key Topics

• Scope and exclusions: Applies to samples from hatchery, farm, vehicles in transport, animals and carcasses at slaughter for determining microbiological status with respect to zoonotic agents; excludes meat hygiene and aquatic production sampling.
• Principle: Prepare an initial suspension to evenly distribute microorganisms without reducing viability; prepare further decimal dilutions as needed for culture or enumeration.
• Sample types: Fabric and stick swabs, bootsock/drag/rope swabs, Moore’s drain swabs, litter, pooled or individual faecal samples, dust, water, lymph nodes and gut contents.
• Preparation rules: Aseptic techniques, full transfer of laboratory samples, considerations for pooling (e.g., prefer pool sizes ≤ 20 faecal samples), and impact of added diluent volume on detection limits.
• Diluents & neutralizers: Use appropriate diluents (ISO 6887-1), neutralizing agents when required (ISO 13307), and follow disinfectant guidance (ISO 7218).
• Apparatus: Homogenizers (stomacher, blender, pulsifier), sterile tools, flasks, pipettes and other standard microbiology glassware.
• Storage: Hold samples under conditions suitable for target organism survival (see ISO 7218).

Applications

• Laboratory SOPs for veterinary and food microbiology testing at the primary production stage
• On-farm surveillance for zoonotic agents (Salmonella, Campylobacter, etc.)
• Sampling protocols for hatcheries, transport vehicles and slaughterhouse monitoring
• Reference for regulatory and diagnostic laboratories preparing test portions, initial suspensions, and dilution series
• Supports biosecurity programs, outbreak investigations and compliance testing

Related Standards

• ISO 6887-1: General rules for preparation of initial suspension and decimal dilutions
• ISO 7218: General requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations
• ISO 13307: Primary production stage - Sampling techniques
• ISO 6887-2 to -5: Specific rules for meat, fish, milk and other products
• ISO 6579 (referenced example for Salmonella procedures)

Keywords: ISO 6887-6:2013, sample preparation, initial suspension, decimal dilutions, primary production, microbiology of food, farm sampling, hatchery testing, bootsock swabs, faecal pooling.