3. Sponges and Cloths (Primarily Qualitative / Large Area Quantitative)
(e.g., Conveyor belts, slicers, tables)
Lower recovery efficiency compared to contact plates on flat surfaces, but highly versatile. 3. Sponge/Cloth Method
The ISO 18593:2018 PDF provides a structured protocol for executing a surface sampling plan. The following steps are synthesized from the detailed table of contents of the standard. Sponge/Cloth Method The ISO 18593:2018 PDF provides a
If traces of these chemicals are picked up during sampling, they can inhibit microbial growth inside the transport media, leading to a .
The 2018 version also references alternative methods like sponges or fabric wipes for large areas (>1000 cm²), though the core focus remains on plates and swabs.
A: Yes. The "food chain" includes animal feeding stuffs. However, for dry, dusty surfaces, you may need to modify swab wetting – the standard provides guidance for this. The 2018 version also references alternative methods like
Non-food contact surfaces within the production room (e.g., floors, walls, drains).
A: No. ISO 18593 only defines how to sample. Your company or regulator sets the microbiological limits (e.g., <10 CFU/plate for food contact surfaces).
Agricultural and farm-level surface collection falls under ISO 13307 . non-porous surfaces (e.g.
offer multi-page PDF previews that include the table of contents and normative references. ISO - International Organization for Standardization Key Updates in the 2018 Revision
The second and current edition, , was published on June 18, 2018. This version represents a major update, and it officially superseded and replaced the 2004 edition as of September 4, 2018.
: For routine monitoring of food-contact surfaces and environmental hygiene.
Best suited for flat, smooth, non-porous surfaces (e.g., stainless steel tables, conveyor belts).