Overview
ISO 11290-1:2017/Amd 1:2026 introduces significant updates to the internationally recognized standard for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria species in the food chain. This amendment, published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), focuses specifically on the inclusion of requirements for sample storage prior to analysis and revises the requirements for control strains used in quality assurance testing of culture media and reagents. By refining procedures, this amendment supports more reliable detection of Listeria species, a critical aspect of food safety and public health.
Key Topics
Amendment 1 to ISO 11290-1:2017 addresses two primary areas:
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Storage of Samples Before Analysis
New guidance is provided regarding how food, feed, and environmental samples should be stored prior to microbiological examination to ensure the integrity and representativeness of samples. Proper storage is emphasized to prevent changes in contamination levels or degradation of target microorganisms.
- Where possible, storage should comply with ISO 7218 guidelines.
- If alternative storage conditions are used, they must be justified and documented, with evidence demonstrating no impact on Listeria detection.
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Updated Control Strains for Quality Assurance
The amendment introduces a change in the reference control strain for Listeria monocytogenes used in the performance testing of culture media and reagents.
- All references to Listeria monocytogenes WDCM 00109 are replaced with Listeria monocytogenes WDCM 00231.
- Control strains must continue to be selected in accordance with ISO 11133, supporting accurate and consistent performance testing.
These updates are designed to enhance the validity and reproducibility of results in routine food safety laboratories.
Applications
Organizations and laboratories involved in food safety testing can apply this standard in several ways:
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Food Producers and Processors
- Ensures robust monitoring of Listeria contamination, a key factor in preventing outbreaks and food recalls.
- Supports compliance with food safety regulations and customer requirements.
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Analytical Laboratories
- Standardizes sample handling and storage, minimizing variability in microbiological test results.
- Provides a clear protocol for selecting and using control strains during performance and quality assurance testing of culture media and reagents.
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Regulatory and Accreditation Bodies
- Offers a harmonized approach for audits, inspections, and accreditation of laboratories testing for Listeria in food and environmental samples.
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Research and Method Development
- Facilitates the development of new detection methods while ensuring compatibility with standardized reference procedures.
Correct application of ISO 11290-1:2017/Amd 1:2026 across the food chain contributes to higher reliability in Listeria detection and underpins global food safety initiatives.
Related Standards
When implementing the requirements of this amendment, users should be aware of several related standards for enhanced laboratory practice in microbiological testing:
- ISO 7218 (General requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations)
- ISO 11133 (Preparation, production, storage, and performance testing of culture media)
- ISO/TS 17728 (Sampling techniques for food and animal feed)
- ISO 707 | IDF 50 (Sampling of milk and milk products)
- ISO 18593 (Sampling methods for surfaces using contact plates and swabs)
- ISO 20976-1 (Challenge tests for studying microbial growth potential in food and feed)
These references help laboratories and food safety professionals ensure comprehensive compliance and maintain high testing standards within the food chain.
Keywords: ISO 11290-1, Listeria monocytogenes detection, food chain microbiology, sample storage, quality assurance, culture media performance testing, food safety standards
Open preview (PDF)Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal method for the detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes and of Listeria spp. — Part 1: Detection method — Amendment 1: Inclusion of storage of the samples before analysis and changes in the control strain for performance testing of culture media and reagents