ISO 7251 Detection and Enumeration of Presumptive Escherichia coli
The ISO standard 7251 provides a method to detect and enumerate presumptive colonies of Escherichia coli on m-XLT agar. This procedure is widely used in the food, feed, pharmaceutical, and water sectors to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal quality control protocols.
The test involves the following steps:
- Growth of samples on m-XLT agar for 24 hours at 36°C
- Observation of presumptive colonies that are red or pink in color
- Counting these colonies using a standardized procedure
The results from this test indicate the presence and concentration levels of E. coli, which is crucial for ensuring food safety.
Our laboratory adheres strictly to ISO 7251 guidelines, providing accurate and reliable data that can be used in regulatory submissions or internal quality control processes.
| Sample Type | Expected Range | Incubation Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Produce | 10^2–10^6 cfu/g | 24 hours | 36°C ± 1°C |
| Dairy Products | 10^2–10^5 cfu/mL | 24 hours | 36°C ± 1°C |
| Poultry Meat | 10^2–10^6 cfu/g | 24 hours | 36°C ± 1°C |
The detection and enumeration of E. coli is a critical step in the assurance of food safety, as this bacterium can indicate contamination with other pathogens that may pose health risks to consumers.
Our team uses advanced microbiological techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure accurate results. We also offer comprehensive reporting services that include detailed test protocols, colony counts, and any additional relevant data.
Benefits
Adhering to ISO 7251 ensures the following benefits:
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures that your products meet international standards and regulations.
- Consumer Confidence: Demonstrates a commitment to food safety, enhancing consumer trust.
- Quality Assurance: Provides reliable data for internal quality control processes.
- Avoidance of Legal Issues: Helps avoid potential legal and financial consequences associated with product recalls or lawsuits due to contaminated products.
In addition, the results from this test can be used as part of a broader food safety strategy, helping to identify areas for improvement in production processes and ingredient sourcing.
Industry Applications
| Sector | Application |
|---|---|
| Food Processing | Detection and enumeration of potential contaminants to ensure product safety. |
| Animal Feed Manufacturing | Maintaining hygiene standards in feed production to prevent transmission of pathogens. |
| Packaging Materials | Assuring that packaging materials are free from microbial contamination. |
| Pharmaceutical Manufacturing | Evaluating the cleanliness of raw materials and finished products to ensure they meet quality standards. |
| Water Treatment Plants | Monitoring water sources for potential contamination that could affect public health. |
The ISO 7251 method is particularly useful in these industries because it provides a standardized approach to detecting and counting E. coli, which can serve as an early indicator of other pathogenic bacteria present in the sample.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
The ISO 7251 method is designed to provide accurate, repeatable results that are essential for quality assurance programs. Our laboratory ensures high-quality testing by:
- Using only the latest equipment and reagents.
- Maintaining strict adherence to standard procedures.
- Regularly calibrating all instruments used in the process.
- Training our staff on the most up-to-date testing techniques.
We also participate in inter-laboratory comparison programs to ensure that our results are consistent with those of other reputable laboratories around the world. This commitment to quality and reliability is reflected in our consistently accurate test results, which you can rely on for your regulatory submissions or internal quality control processes.
