Overview
ISO/TS 17728:2015 - "Microbiology of the food chain - Sampling techniques for microbiological analysis of food and feed samples" - gives practical instruction for collecting and handling samples before submission to the laboratory. It defines sampling terms, general principles, equipment and personnel requirements, packing, labelling and transport protocols to preserve the microbiological integrity of food and feed samples. Note: sampling plans are excluded from this Technical Specification.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and exclusions: Applies to all food and feed products (including frozen blocks and carcasses), but excludes milk and dairy (ISO 707), carcass surface sampling (ISO 17604), environmental surface sampling (ISO 18593) and primary production sampling (ISO 13307).
- Terminology: Defines sample types (laboratory sample, test portion, pooled/composite samples, increments, bulk samples) using ISO 7002 and related terms.
- Principles: Samples must be representative and sampling must not introduce contamination or alter native microbial flora. Minimum sample quantities and pooling/compositing rules should be agreed with the client.
- Personnel and equipment: Specifies roles of samplers, protective clothing and whether sterile or clean implements are required.
- Sampling techniques: General protocol for bulk, packaged, refrigerated, frozen, ambient and hot products; and guidance for specific items (live shellfish, fruits/vegetables, eggs, canned food, feeds, special cases such as poultry neck skin).
- Packing, labelling and documentation: Requirements for sampling forms / sampling reports to ensure traceability.
- Transport and cold chain: Guidance on refrigerated transport, temperature monitoring and acceptance criteria on receipt at the laboratory to maintain sample integrity.
- Laboratory reception: Procedures and acceptance checks upon arrival.
- Supporting material: Includes informative annexes (sampling flow chart, method for sampling frozen pieces referencing ISO 6887-1) and normative reference to ISO 7218.
Applications and users
ISO/TS 17728:2015 is intended for:
- Food and feed producers implementing on-site sampling prior to microbiological testing
- Quality assurance / QC teams and in-plant samplers following standard sampling techniques
- Contract laboratories receiving and assessing field samples for microbiological analysis
- Food safety auditors, regulatory agencies and third-party inspectors who verify sampling practices
- Logistics and courier services involved in refrigerated transport of microbiological samples
Practical benefits include improved sample representativeness, reduced contamination risk, consistent documentation and reliable laboratory results for food safety monitoring and compliance.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO/TS 17728:2015, sampling techniques, microbiological analysis, food and feed samples, sample transport, laboratory sample, cold chain, representative sampling.
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