SIST EN ISO 6887-6:2013 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 6887-6:2013 (ISO 6887-6:2013) sets specific rules for preparing samples taken at the primary production stage for microbiological examination. It complements ISO 6887-1 (general rules) by addressing samples collected from the hatchery, farm, vehicles or animals during transport, and from animals or carcasses at the slaughterhouse when these require different preparation. The standard helps determine the microbiological status of animals with respect to zoonotic agents. It excludes preparations already specified in other standards and does not cover meat-hygiene sampling or aquatic primary production (covered by other parts of ISO 6887).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Applies to primary production-stage samples (farm → slaughterhouse) but excludes sample preparations already detailed in other International Standards and hygiene samples for meat (ISO 6887-2) or aquatic samples (ISO 6887-3).
• Principle: Preparation of an initial suspension (commonly 1 in 10, i.e. a nine-fold diluent) to obtain a uniform microbial distribution without reducing viability; preparation of further decimal dilutions for enumeration or detection.
• Terms and definitions: Laboratory sample, test portion, pooled sample, initial suspension, further decimal dilutions-standardizes language for laboratory transfer and testing.
• Diluents and neutralizers: Use of standard diluents per ISO 6887-1; neutralizing liquid (ISO 13307) can be included (typically 10 % v/v) and agents such as L‑histidine may be recommended if formalin is expected.
• Apparatus and consumables: Homogenizers (stomacher, blender, pulsifier), sterile tools (forceps, scalpels), pipettes, screw-cap bottles, sterile sand/pestle when needed.
• Sample types & handling: Guidance on laboratory samples, pooled samples, storage and transport per ISO 7218 and ISO 13307; differentiation of procedures for samples taken on-farm, at slaughterhouse, or from poultry during hatchery/transport.

Applications and users

• Who uses it: Food and feed microbiology laboratories, veterinary diagnostic labs, food safety authorities, primary-producer quality teams, slaughterhouse QA personnel, and microbiologists conducting zoonotic-agent surveillance.
• Practical uses:
  • Preparing representative test portions and suspensions for microbiological testing of animals and carcasses.
  • Standardizing pre-enrichment and enrichment suspensions for detection methods (unless another standard specifies preparation).
  • Supporting surveillance of zoonotic agents from hatchery to slaughterhouse.
  • Ensuring consistent dilution series for reliable enumeration and reporting.

Related standards

• ISO 6887-1 - General rules for initial suspension and decimal dilutions
• ISO 6887-2 - Meat and meat products (hygiene sampling)
• ISO 6887-3, -4, -5 - Other product-specific preparation rules
• ISO 7218 - General requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations
• ISO 13307 - Sampling techniques at primary production stage

Keywords: ISO 6887-6, microbiology of food, primary production, sample preparation, initial suspension, decimal dilutions, zoonotic agents, food microbiology.