BS EN 17716:2024 Plant Biostimulants - Determination of Escherichia coli

Introducing the BS EN 17716:2024, a comprehensive standard dedicated to the determination of Escherichia coli in plant biostimulants. This essential document is a must-have for professionals in the agricultural and environmental sectors, providing a detailed methodology to ensure the safety and efficacy of biostimulant products.

Overview

The BS EN 17716:2024 standard is a pivotal resource for anyone involved in the production, testing, or regulation of plant biostimulants. Released on November 29, 2024, this document is the latest in a series of standards aimed at enhancing the quality and safety of agricultural inputs. With a total of 28 pages, it offers a thorough exploration of the methods used to detect and quantify Escherichia coli, a critical parameter in ensuring the microbiological safety of biostimulants.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN 17716:2024
• Pages: 28
• Release Date: November 29, 2024
• ISBN: 978 0 539 24195 2
• Status: Standard

Importance of the Standard

In the rapidly evolving field of plant biostimulants, maintaining high standards of safety and quality is paramount. The presence of Escherichia coli in biostimulants can pose significant health risks, making its detection and quantification a critical aspect of product safety. The BS EN 17716:2024 standard provides a scientifically validated method for assessing the presence of this bacterium, ensuring that biostimulants meet stringent safety criteria before reaching the market.

Who Should Use This Standard?

This standard is indispensable for a wide range of stakeholders, including:

• Biostimulant Manufacturers: Ensure your products comply with the latest safety standards.
• Quality Control Laboratories: Implement reliable testing methods for Escherichia coli.
• Regulatory Bodies: Establish guidelines and regulations based on the latest scientific research.
• Agricultural Consultants: Provide informed advice to clients on product safety and compliance.

Benefits of Compliance

Adhering to the BS EN 17716:2024 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Product Safety: Protect consumers and the environment by ensuring biostimulants are free from harmful levels of Escherichia coli.
• Market Access: Meet regulatory requirements and gain access to international markets.
• Consumer Confidence: Build trust with consumers by demonstrating a commitment to quality and safety.
• Competitive Advantage: Stand out in the market by offering products that comply with the latest standards.

Detailed Methodology

The BS EN 17716:2024 standard outlines a detailed methodology for the detection and quantification of Escherichia coli in plant biostimulants. This includes:

• Sample Preparation: Guidelines for collecting and preparing samples for analysis.
• Analytical Techniques: Step-by-step instructions for conducting reliable and accurate tests.
• Quality Control: Procedures to ensure the validity and reproducibility of test results.
• Data Interpretation: Guidance on interpreting results and making informed decisions based on the findings.

Conclusion

The BS EN 17716:2024 standard is an invaluable tool for ensuring the safety and quality of plant biostimulants. By providing a robust framework for the detection of Escherichia coli, it helps manufacturers, regulators, and other stakeholders maintain high standards of product safety and compliance. Whether you are involved in production, testing, or regulation, this standard is an essential resource for staying at the forefront of the biostimulant industry.

Invest in the BS EN 17716:2024 standard today and ensure your products meet the highest standards of safety and quality.

BS EN 17716:2024

This standard BS EN 17716:2024 Plant biostimulants. Determination of Escherichia coli is classified in these ICS categories:

• 65.080 Fertilizers

This document gives guidance for the detection and identification of the specified microorganism Escherichia coli in technical and formulated plant biostimulants, both in liquid and solid states, and also the horizontal method for the enumeration of ß-glucuronidase-positive E. coli in plant biostimulants (both in liquid and solid states). The qualitative method described in this document is based on the detection of E. coli in a non-selective liquid medium (enrichment broth), followed by isolation on a selective agar. Other methods can be appropriate, depending on the level of detection required. NOTE 1 For the detection of E. coli, subcultures can be performed on non-selective culture media followed by suitable identification steps (e.g. using identification kits). The quantitative method described in this document uses a colony-count technique at 44 °C ± 1 °C on a solid medium containing a chromogenic ingredient for detection of the enzyme ß-glucuronidase. NOTE 2 Strains of E. coli which do not grow at 44 °C ± 1 °C and, in particular, those that are ß-glucuronidase negative, such as E. coli O157, will not be detected. This document is applicable to the blends of fertilizing products where a blend is a mix of at least two of the following component EU fertilising products categories: Fertilizers, Liming Materials, Soil Improvers, Growing Media, Plant Biostimulants, and where the following category Plant Biostimulants is the highest % in the blend by mass or volume, or in the case of liquid form by dry mass. If Plant Biostimulants is not the highest % in the blend, the European Standard for the highest % of the blend applies. In case a blend of fertilizing products is composed of components in equal quantity or in case the component EU fertilising products used for the blend have identical formulations , the user decides which standard to apply.