Overview
CEN ISO/TR 6579-3:2014 - "Microbiology of the food chain - Horizontal method for the detection, enumeration and serotyping of Salmonella - Part 3" - is a Technical Report that provides guidance for serotyping Salmonella spp.. It complements ISO 6579 Part 1 (detection) and Part 2 (enumeration) and applies to the serotyping of pure cultures of Salmonella regardless of isolation source. The document is based on the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor antigenic scheme and was adopted by CEN in 2014.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and purpose: Guidance for determining O‑, H‑ and Vi‑antigens to produce an antigenic formula (serotype) for isolates confirmed as Salmonella spp.
- Antigenic targets: Identification of O‑antigens, H‑antigens (phase 1 and phase 2) and Vi‑antigens as the basis for serotyping.
- Taxonomy and nomenclature: Overview of Salmonella taxonomy and recommended nomenclature practices, referencing the White–Kauffmann–Le Minor scheme.
- Culture media and antisera: Lists and references to appropriate culture media, reagents and commercial antisera (polyvalent and monovalent) needed for serotyping; Annex A details media composition.
- Apparatus and conditions: Typical laboratory equipment and conditions are described (e.g., incubators with 34–38 °C range, sterile supplies).
- Serotyping procedures: Stepwise guidance and example procedures (including schematic workflows for common public‑health serovars) plus Annex B and Annex E (microtitre plate method).
- Biochemical confirmation: Requirement that isolates be biochemically confirmed as Salmonella before serotyping (see Annex C for tests).
- Quality control and reporting: Guidance on QC, documentation and reporting of serotyping results.
- Safety: Clear warning that serotyping should be performed in properly equipped labs under skilled supervision.
Practical Applications and Users
Who uses ISO/TR 6579-3:2014:
- Food microbiology laboratories performing Salmonella typing for safety testing and product release.
- Public health and clinical reference labs conducting surveillance and outbreak investigations.
- Contract testing and veterinary labs monitoring feed and animal sources.
- Food manufacturers and quality assurance teams needing confirmation of serovars for risk assessment and regulatory compliance.
Practical applications include outbreak source tracking, epidemiological surveillance, trade compliance, and supporting food safety management systems.
Related Standards
- ISO 6579‑1: Horizontal method for detection of Salmonella spp.
- ISO 6579‑2: Enumeration of Salmonella (miniaturized MPN) - Technical Specification
- ISO 7218: General requirements for microbiological examinations
- ISO 11133: Production and testing of culture media
Keywords: Salmonella serotyping, ISO/TR 6579-3:2014, Microbiology of the food chain, White–Kauffmann–Le Minor, O‑antigen, H‑antigen, Vi‑antigen, food microbiology, serotyping guidelines.
