Overview
EN ISO 19574:2022 (ISO 19574:2022) specifies a qualitative growth test to assess the antifungal (antimycotic) activity of footwear and footwear components. The standard describes a laboratory method for exposing treated and untreated (control) specimens to filamentous micro‑fungi (moulds) and qualitatively evaluating fungal growth after a defined incubation period. This method is applicable only to products that claim antifungal or broader antimicrobial treatment effects.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: inoculation of test and control specimens with a spore suspension (mixed strains or a single strain depending on the claim) and qualitative evaluation of fungal growth by visual assessment after incubation.
- Specimens: treated footwear or components and identical control specimens without antifungal treatment.
- Microorganisms: filamentous micro‑fungi (mould test strains) are used; selection depends on the claim being evaluated.
- Reagents and media: Malt Extract Agar (MEA), physiological saline, wetting agent (non‑ionic surfactant), and buffer solutions are referenced for preparation of spore suspensions and media.
- Apparatus and conditions: use of standard microbiological equipment is required, including a biological safety cabinet, autoclave, vortex mixer and a microbiological incubator capable of approximately (28 ± 2) °C and (85 ± 5) % relative humidity.
- Safety and competency: tests involve handling live micro‑fungi and must be conducted by trained personnel in facilities with appropriate containment and microbiological practice.
- Outcome and reporting: results are expressed qualitatively (presence/absence or degree of visible growth) and documented in a test report following the standard’s reporting requirements.
Applications
- Verification of antifungal or antimycotic claims on footwear and insole materials.
- Product development and formulation screening for antifungal treatments.
- Quality control and batch verification in manufacturing.
- Comparative testing for R&D and marketing substantiation.
- Regulatory or procurement testing where an antifungal performance statement must be supported by laboratory evidence.
Who should use this standard
- Footwear and components manufacturers validating treatment efficacy.
- Independent testing laboratories offering antifungal performance testing.
- Product development teams and materials scientists developing antifungal finishes.
- Quality assurance and regulatory compliance professionals assessing claims.
Related standards
- ISO 16187 - Test method to assess antibacterial activity for footwear.
- ISO 19952 - Footwear vocabulary (terms and definitions).
- ISO 7218, ISO 11133 - General microbiological practice and media preparation guidance.
Keywords: EN ISO 19574:2022, ISO 19574, antifungal testing footwear, growth test, antimycotic, mould test, footwear components, qualitative test method.
