DIN CEN ISO/TS 17728:2015-11

This Technical Specification applies to the collection of samples before submission to the laboratory for microbiological examination. It provides general instructions and specific requirements for obtaining samples and for transport to the laboratory. Sampling plans are not included in the scope of this Technical Specification. This Technical Specification applies to all food and feed products, including blocks of frozen products, carcasses (excluding surface sampling of carcasses), meat, and bulk products. The following sample types are outside the scope of this Technical Specification: - milk and dairy products (see ISO EN 707); - surface sampling of carcasses (see ISO 17604); - samples from environmental surfaces (see ISO 18593); - samples from the primary production stage (see prEN ISO 13307). In the introduction, the Technical Specification states that the sample shall be representative of the batch to be controlled. The sampling technique shall not modify the microbial flora of the product in any way, such as via contamination from sampling implements or the environment or death/growth of the original microbial flora during extended transportation times. Before sampling, the minimum quantity required for examination and the instructions on pooling/compositing on site shall be agreed with the client. Furthermore, other necessary details should also be agreed with the client before sampling to ensure the correct interpretation of test results. The committee responsible for this standard is NA 057-01-06 AA "Mikrobiologische Lebensmitteluntersuchung einschließlich Schnellverfahren" ("Microbiological analysis of foodstuffs including rapid method") at DIN.