ISO 6579-1-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Microbiology of the food chain — Horizontal method for the detection, enumeration and serotyping of Salmonella — Part 1: Detection of Salmonella spp. — an ISO international standard that specifies a horizontal culture-based method for detecting Salmonella spp. in foods, animal feeds, environmental and primary‑production samples.

Abstract

ISO 6579-1:2017 defines a stepwise laboratory procedure (pre-enrichment, selective enrichment, selective plating and confirmation) intended to detect most Salmonella serovars in products intended for human and animal consumption, environmental samples from food production and primary‑production samples (faeces, dust, swabs). The document notes limitations for some specific serovars and gives an Annex (Annex D) for procedures for Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi; it also clarifies that modified semi‑solid Rappaport‑Vassiliadis (MSRV) agar is appropriate for detection of motile Salmonella only.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed on review).
• Publication date: 2017 (Edition 1, published February 2017).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 07.100.30 — Food microbiology.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2017); amended by ISO 6579-1:2017/Amd 1 (2020).
• Number of pages: 50 (ISO published edition).

Scope

Applies to microbiological testing laboratories and competent authorities for detecting Salmonella spp. in a broad range of sample types: foods and animal feeding stuffs, environmental samples from food handling and production areas, and samples from primary production (animal faeces, dust, swabs). The method is intended as a horizontal (general) approach covering most serovars; where required, additional or alternative culture steps for specific serovars are given (e.g., Annex D for S. Typhi / S. Paratyphi). The MSRV selective enrichment step is intended for motile Salmonella and may not detect non‑motile or certain sensitive strains.

Key topics and requirements

• Sample pre‑enrichment in non‑selective broth to resuscitate stressed Salmonella cells.
• Selective enrichment options (e.g., Rappaport‑Vassiliadis Soya (RVS) or tetrathionate‑based broths) to favour Salmonella growth over background flora.
• Use of MSRV agar for detection/enumeration of motile Salmonella (not suitable for non‑motile strains).
• Plating on selective/differential agars (typical media include XLD, BGA or equivalent) and isolation of presumptive colonies.
• Biochemical and serological confirmation procedures for presumptive Salmonella isolates.
• Operational details: incubation temperatures and times (including broader ranges introduced by amendment), and validated procedures for temporary storage/breaks in the sequential culture steps (for example, validated holding of (pre‑)enrichments at 5 °C for limited periods — practical allowances introduced/clarified in later guidance/amendment literature).

Typical use and users

Used by accredited food‑microbiology laboratories, public‑health and veterinary reference laboratories, food producers (quality/safety labs), regulators and auditors for routine monitoring, outbreak investigation and regulatory compliance testing for Salmonella in food, feed and related environments.

Related standards

ISO 6579 is a multipart suite: Part 1 (this document) for detection; ISO/TS 6579‑2 (enumeration by miniaturized MPN technique) and ISO/TR 6579‑3 (guidance for serotyping Salmonella) provide complementary methods and guidance. National and regional adaptations (EN ISO versions, national adoptions and amendments) also exist, plus method‑specific standards for LIMS, sample handling and accreditation requirements in food testing.

Keywords

Salmonella, detection, food microbiology, horizontal method, MSRV, RVS, selective enrichment, confirmation, ISO 6579‑1:2017, enumeration, serotyping.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 6579‑1:2017 is the international horizontal method for laboratory detection of Salmonella spp. in food, feed and related environmental and primary production samples.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It specifies the workflow (pre‑enrichment, selective enrichment, plating and confirmation) for detecting most Salmonella serovars and notes special provisions (e.g., Annex D) and limitations (MSRV for motile strains).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Accredited food and public‑health laboratories, regulatory agencies, reference laboratories, food industry QC teams and auditors use it for routine monitoring, outbreak response and compliance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 edition (Edition 1) is the current ISO document; it has at least one amendment (Amd 1, 2020) and the ISO record shows the publication was reviewed/confirmed (the standard remains current as confirmed by ISO). Users should check for amendments or national implementations when applying the method.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 6579 is multi‑part: Part 1 covers detection (this standard), ISO/TS 6579‑2 covers enumeration (MPN) and ISO/TR 6579‑3 provides serotyping guidance; these parts are intended to be used together as appropriate.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Salmonella, detection, food microbiology, horizontal method, MSRV, enrichment, confirmation, ISO 6579‑1.