Overview
EN ISO 10272-1:2017/A1:2023 (CEN) is an amendment to ISO 10272-1:2017 that updates the horizontal detection method for Campylobacter spp. in the food chain. Key additions include molecular confirmation and identification of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp., the formal use of a growth supplement in Preston broth, and revised performance testing requirements for culture media used for detection. The amendment targets thermotolerant species most relevant to human health, notably Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, and clarifies laboratory procedures for reliable recovery and identification.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Molecular confirmation and species ID
- PCR-based confirmation and identification methods are included (see Annexes D and E). The amendment permits molecular methods as alternatives to biochemical identification.
- Enrichment media updates
- Notes that Bolton and Preston broths are commonly used; Preston broth can be overly selective for some strains (especially C. coli).
- Growth supplement for Preston broth is specified (sodium pyruvate, sodium metabisulfite, iron(II) sulfate hydrate - 0.25 g each in 5 ml water) to enhance recovery.
- Antibiotic solution and medium composition
- The antibiotic mix for Preston broth and full medium composition (basic medium, lysed horse blood, antibiotic solution, growth supplement) are detailed.
- Culture conditions and colony characteristics
- Incubation in a microaerobic atmosphere at 41.5 °C and use of selective agar (e.g., modified Charcoal Cefoperazone Deoxycholate (mCCD) agar) are reinforced.
- Performance testing of culture media
- Updated Table B.1 defines control strains, productivity, selectivity and qualitative criteria for media validation (references to WDCM strain numbers and ISO 11133 guidance).
Practical applications
- Standardizes laboratory workflows for detection and confirmation of Campylobacter in food, environmental samples and primary production.
- Improves recovery sensitivity for labs encountering difficult-to-culture or antibiotic-sensitive strains by specifying growth supplement use in Preston broth.
- Supports laboratories implementing molecular methods (PCR) for confirmation and species identification, increasing speed and specificity of results.
- Guides manufacturers of culture media on performance testing and acceptance criteria for selective media used to detect Campylobacter.
Who should use this standard
- Food microbiology and public health laboratories
- Regulatory agencies and official control labs
- Food producers, processors and quality assurance teams
- Culture media manufacturers and diagnostic developers
- Researchers studying Campylobacter epidemiology and food safety
Related standards
- ISO 10272 series (other parts) - broader Campylobacter detection/enumeration guidance
- ISO 17995 - referenced with respect to recovery issues in Preston broth
- ISO 11133 - guidance on growth/turbidity categories and media performance testing
Keywords: Campylobacter detection, Preston broth, growth supplement, molecular confirmation, thermotolerant Campylobacter, ISO 10272-1:2017/Amd1:2023, food microbiology, culture media performance.
