Overview
EN ISO 23036-1:2021 - Microbiology of the food chain - Part 1: UV-press method - specifies a standardized laboratory procedure for the detection and quantification of Anisakidae L3 larvae in fish and fishery products. The method is applicable to fresh or frozen whole fish and fillets, and to lightly processed products (marinated, salted, cold-smoked). It estimates parasite burden in the fish musculature but does not determine species or genotype (final identification requires morphological and/or molecular methods).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Detection of third‑stage (L3) Anisakidae larvae (e.g., Anisakis, Contracaecum, Pseudoterranova) in marine and anadromous fish.
- Principle: Larvae fluoresce under UV light after the sample is pressed thin and frozen; fluorescence is due to lipofuscin pigments.
- Sample preparation: Fillets or fish sides are placed in clear plastic bags, pressed to a thin layer (approximately 1–2 mm), frozen, then thawed for inspection.
- Inspection: Visual screening under a 366 nm UV light reveals brightly fluorescent larvae as spots; infected areas are recorded to estimate parasite numbers in musculature.
- Applicability to large fish: Large fillets (e.g., salmon, cod, halibut) can be cut into smaller pieces and processed separately.
- Limitations: The method does not identify species/genotype - it is a detection/quantification technique. There are no internal quality controls embedded in the method; laboratories should follow general microbiology QA (see ISO 7218).
- Validation: The UV‑press and artificial digestion methods have been validated and evaluated in collaborative studies (performance characteristics are provided in the standard).
Applications and users
Practical uses and stakeholders:
- Seafood processors and processors’ quality control teams for routine screening of raw materials
- Food safety laboratories and accredited testing facilities performing parasite surveillance
- Regulatory agencies and inspection services enforcing public health controls for fishery products
- Research groups studying fish parasitology, prevalence and distribution of Anisakidae
- Importers/exporters and supply‑chain auditors requiring standardized detection methods
Benefits include consistent detection of Anisakidae larvae, support for food safety decision-making, and quantification of infection levels for risk assessment and batch acceptance.
Related standards
- ISO 7218 - General requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations (quality/QA)
- EN ISO 23036 series - other parts (e.g., artificial digestion methods) that complement the UV‑press approach
Keywords: ISO 23036-1:2021, EN ISO 23036-1, UV-press method, Anisakidae L3 detection, fish parasite screening, seafood safety, anisakidosis prevention.
