Overview
EN ISO 6579-1:2017/A1:2020 is Amendment 1 to ISO 6579-1:2017 - the internationally recognized horizontal method for the detection of Salmonella spp. in the food chain. This amendment updates incubation temperature requirements, corrects the composition of key selective media (MSRV and SC), and amends the status of Annex D. It is endorsed by CEN and intended for laboratories and organizations performing routine Salmonella testing in foods, feed and related matrices.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Broader incubation temperature range: Non‑selective and selective media incubation range extended from 37 °C ±1 °C to 34 °C to 38 °C (no further tolerance). Notes clarify acceptable setpoints (e.g., 35 °C ±1 °C, 36 °C ±2 °C, 37 °C ±1 °C).
- Specific incubation instructions:
- RVS broth or MSRV agar: incubate at 41.5 °C for 24 h.
- MKTTn broth: incubate between 34 °C and 38 °C for 24 h ±3 h.
- XLD agar: incubate inverted 34 °C to 38 °C for 24 h ±3 h.
- Equipment capability: Incubators and water baths must be capable of operating in the 34–38 °C range.
- MSRV agar composition and preparation corrected:
- Detailed formulation for Solutions A, B and C and base medium; final novobiocin concentration recommended 10 mg/L (reports and notes explain improved motility and migration zones with this level).
- Practical preparation notes (pH after sterilization, agar concentration considerations, storage/handling of plates).
- Annex D status amended: the amendment modifies the status of Annex D (users should consult the full text for the precise implications).
- Other procedural clarifications: updates to several procedural incubation steps across sections (e.g., culture streaking, liquid media incubation, biochemical reactions).
Applications and who uses it
This standard is used by:
- Food and feed microbiology laboratories performing routine Salmonella detection.
- Public health and regulatory agencies for method harmonization and compliance testing.
- Food manufacturers and quality control teams implementing microbiological monitoring programs.
- Proficiency testing providers and method validation specialists needing a harmonized reference method for Salmonella spp. detection.
Practical benefits include improved method reproducibility across laboratories, clarified media recipes (MSRV/SC), and operational flexibility with validated temperature ranges that reflect common laboratory incubator settings.
Related standards
- ISO 6579 series (other parts cover enumeration and serotyping) - consult the ISO catalogue for the complete series.
- National or regional adoptions (EN ISO 6579-1:2017/A1:2020) provide legally endorsed versions for CEN member states.
Keywords: ISO 6579-1, EN ISO 6579-1:2017/A1:2020, Salmonella detection, food microbiology, MSRV agar, MKTTn, XLD agar, incubation temperatures.