Essential Changes & Expert Insights On ISO 7218:2024 For Food Microbiology Labs

The microbiology landscape is evolving, and the latest updates to the ISO standards reflect a significant shift towards greater clarity, reliability, and efficiency in laboratory processes. This revision introduces crucial changes designed to streamline operations while maintaining high standards for testing and analysis.

Simplification and Clarity

The 2024 edition simplifies the calculation processes and integrates new calculators to facilitate data handling. Reorganization of the equipment section and incorporation of references to other key standards—such as ISO 11133 for culture media, ISO 16140 for method validation and ISO 19036 for measurement uncertainty—aim to harmonize practices across laboratories. This approach minimizes confusion and ensures that all stakeholders are aligned in their interpretations of the standards.

New definitions have been introduced, clarifying terms like "food chain" and "control strains." This consistent vocabulary reduces misinterpretation and promotes transparency, particularly regarding the necessary documentation for laboratory practices. Importantly, laboratories are now required to indicate the publication date of standards in the certificates of analysis, enhancing transparency for customers.

Improved Temperature Control and Sample Management

A significant update addresses temperature control during sample transport and storage. The standard now harmonizes temperatures for stable and non-stable samples, promoting uniformity in practices worldwide.

In addition, the new version emphasizes the importance of processing powdered products separately and isolating materials with high contamination risks from clean matrices. This careful separation is vital in maintaining a controlled environment, particularly in pathogen testing areas.

Strengthening Quality Control

Laboratories are encouraged to enhance their internal quality control programs. The updated standards mandate a comprehensive approach to quality assurance, including detailed guidelines on the use of controls—both positive and negative. New recommendations specify the documentation of control tests and corrective actions in response to any nonconformities. The focus on root cause analysis allows laboratories to identify and resolve underlying issues, leading to improved performance and reliability.

Moreover, the introduction of long-sleeved coats and specific personal protective equipment is aimed at minimizing contamination risks. Laboratories must also document any incidents of contamination to facilitate thorough investigations.

Emphasis on Technology and Method Validation

The 2024 revision acknowledges the integration of new technologies that enhance laboratory efficiency. Molecular techniques, such as DNA or RNA characterization of control strains, provide deeper insights for troubleshooting and method validation. This allows for a more sophisticated approach to method implementation and verification, with a clear framework outlined for laboratories to demonstrate their capabilities.

Additionally, laboratories are prohibited from freezing samples before analysis. This change underscores the commitment to maintaining the integrity of microbiological testing processes.

On-Demand Webinar

These key updates from the 2024 revision of microbiological standards represent a significant step forward in ensuring that laboratories can operate with enhanced reliability and efficiency. To fully understand the implications of these changes and how they can be implemented in practice, we invite you to watch an on-demand webinar featuring industry experts David Tomas (Associate Director Scientific Affairs, bioMérieux ) and Catherine Pelletier (Manager Expertise & Innovation, Mérieux NutriSciences), who provide valuable insights into the new standards.

In this informative session, they not only discuss the updates in detail but also showcase a helpful tool that can assist laboratories in navigating these changes effectively. Don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead in the field of microbiology—access the on-demand webinar today.