BS ISO 15214:1998 - Microbiology of Food and Animal Feeding Stuffs

Discover the essential standard for ensuring the quality and safety of food and animal feed products with the BS ISO 15214:1998. This comprehensive document provides a horizontal method for the enumeration of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria using the colony-count technique at 30°C. Whether you are involved in food production, quality control, or laboratory analysis, this standard is a critical tool for maintaining high standards in microbiological testing.

Overview of BS ISO 15214:1998

The BS ISO 15214:1998 standard is a pivotal document in the field of microbiology, specifically tailored for the food and animal feed industries. Released on October 15, 1998, this standard outlines a methodical approach to accurately count mesophilic lactic acid bacteria, which are crucial indicators of food quality and safety. With 16 pages of detailed guidelines, this standard ensures that laboratories and quality assurance teams can perform reliable and consistent testing.

Key Features:

• Standard Number: BS ISO 15214:1998
• Pages: 16
• Release Date: October 15, 1998
• ISBN: 0 580 30378 0
• Status: Standard

Importance of Mesophilic Lactic Acid Bacteria Enumeration

Mesophilic lactic acid bacteria play a vital role in the fermentation process of various food products, including dairy, meat, and plant-based items. Their presence and concentration can significantly impact the flavor, texture, and safety of these products. The BS ISO 15214:1998 standard provides a reliable method to enumerate these bacteria, ensuring that food products meet the necessary safety and quality standards.

By adhering to this standard, food producers and laboratories can:

• Ensure product consistency and quality.
• Comply with international food safety regulations.
• Enhance consumer trust and satisfaction.
• Identify potential contamination issues early in the production process.

Colony-Count Technique at 30°C

The colony-count technique described in the BS ISO 15214:1998 standard is a widely recognized method for quantifying mesophilic lactic acid bacteria. This technique involves incubating samples at 30°C, a temperature optimal for the growth of these bacteria, allowing for accurate enumeration. The method is designed to be straightforward yet precise, making it accessible for laboratories of all sizes.

Key benefits of the colony-count technique include:

• High accuracy and reproducibility of results.
• Ability to detect a wide range of lactic acid bacteria species.
• Cost-effective and efficient testing process.
• Compatibility with various types of food and feed samples.

Why Choose BS ISO 15214:1998?

Choosing the BS ISO 15214:1998 standard means investing in a proven methodology that has been trusted by industry professionals for decades. This standard not only helps in maintaining the quality of food and feed products but also supports compliance with international safety standards, which is crucial for businesses operating in global markets.

By implementing this standard, you can ensure that your products are safe, high-quality, and meet the expectations of consumers and regulatory bodies alike. The detailed guidelines and procedures outlined in this document provide a solid foundation for any microbiological testing program.

Conclusion

The BS ISO 15214:1998 standard is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the microbiological analysis of food and animal feed products. Its comprehensive approach to the enumeration of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria ensures that your testing processes are both accurate and efficient. By adhering to this standard, you can enhance the quality and safety of your products, ultimately leading to greater consumer trust and business success.

Invest in the BS ISO 15214:1998 standard today and take a significant step towards ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality in your operations.

BS ISO 15214:1998

This standard BS ISO 15214:1998 Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs. Horizontal method for the enumeration of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria. Colony-count technique at 30°C is classified in these ICS categories:

• 07.100.30 Food microbiology

This International Standard specifies a horizontal method for the enumeration of viable mesophilic lactic acid bacteria by counting the colonies growing in a solid medium after incubation at 30 °C for 3 days.

NOTE In some food products, there exist psychotrophic or thermophilic lactic acid bacteria necessitating culture temperatures different from 30 °C. Moreover, not all lactic acid bacteria grow on MRS agar at pH 5,7 and some grow only weakly.

Subject to the limitations discussed in the introduction and in the note above, this International Standard is applicable to products intended for human consumption or animal foodstuffs.