Overview
CEN ISO/TS 17728:2015 - Microbiology of the food chain: Sampling techniques for microbiological analysis of food and feed samples provides standardized guidance for the collection, packing, labelling and transport of food and feed samples prior to laboratory microbiological examination. Published as a CEN-endorsed ISO Technical Specification in 2015, it focuses on practical sampling techniques and handling procedures that help preserve sample integrity and ensure reliable microbiological results. Note: sampling plans are explicitly excluded from the scope.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and applicability
- Applies to all food and feed products (including frozen blocks, carcasses - excluding surface sampling - meat and bulk products) for microbiological examination prior to laboratory submission.
- Excludes milk and dairy (ISO 707), carcass surface sampling (ISO 17604), environmental surface samples (ISO 18593) and primary production stage sampling (ISO 13307).
- Principles and general requirements
- General requirements for sample integrity, traceability and documentation before laboratory receipt.
- Personnel and responsibilities
- Roles and qualifications for sampling personnel; arrangements to ensure correct sampling practice.
- Sampling techniques and equipment
- Guidance on equipment selection and a general protocol for taking representative samples of:
- bulk products (liquids, powders, granules), packaged products (refrigerated, frozen, ambient), refrigerated products, frozen blocks and hot products
- consumer portions and specific-product techniques (e.g., shellfish, eggs, feeds)
- Packing, labelling and sampling forms
- Requirements for packaging, labelling and preparation of a sampling report to maintain chain of custody.
- Transport and temperature control
- Protocols for transport (laboratory transport, courier/contractor), use of refrigerators/freezers/cool boxes and temperature-monitoring equipment.
- Laboratory reception
- Procedures for sample receipt and verification on arrival.
- Informative annexes
- Flow chart of sampling and methods for sampling frozen pieces (references to ISO 6887-1).
Practical applications and users
CEN ISO/TS 17728:2015 is intended for:
- Food and feed manufacturers and processors implementing microbiological sampling programs
- Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) teams and HACCP coordinators
- Third‑party laboratories receiving and processing microbiological samples
- Regulatory agencies, auditors and inspectors overseeing food safety compliance
- Couriers and logistics providers handling temperature-sensitive microbiological samples
Using the standard helps ensure representative, traceable sampling and reduces pre-analytical variability that can affect microbiological test results.
Related standards
- ISO 7218 - General requirements for microbiological examinations
- ISO 707 - Milk and milk products (sampling)
- ISO 17604 - Carcass surface sampling
- ISO 18593 - Sampling from surfaces
- ISO 6887-1 - Preparation of test portions from products (referenced method for frozen pieces)
- ISO 13307 - Primary production sampling
Keywords: CEN ISO/TS 17728:2015, sampling techniques, microbiological analysis, food and feed samples, sample transport, sampling equipment, laboratory reception, food safety.