ISO TS 17728-2015 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO TS 17728-2015 — Microbiology of the food chain — Sampling techniques for microbiological analysis of food and feed samples. This Technical Specification gives practical guidance for the collection, handling and transport of microbiological samples from food and feed prior to laboratory examination, with emphasis on aseptic technique, appropriate containers and documentation to preserve sample integrity for accurate microbiological testing.

Abstract

ISO/TS 17728:2015 applies to the collection of samples before submission to the laboratory for microbiological examination. It provides general instructions and specific requirements for obtaining representative samples and for their transport to the laboratory. The document does not define sampling plans (AQL or lot-acceptance schemes).

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed in ISO systematic reviews).
• Publication date: 2015-06 (Edition 1).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO), developed by ISO/TC 34/SC 9.
• ICS / categories: 07.100.30 (Food microbiology).
• Edition / version: Edition 1, 2015 (Technical Specification, ISO/TS 17728:2015).
• Number of pages: 17 pages.

Key bibliographic and lifecycle data are taken from the ISO bibliographic record for ISO/TS 17728:2015.

Scope

Specifies general principles and practical requirements for the collection of samples for microbiological examination of food and feed, including personnel competence, sample integrity, choice of containers, labelling, decontamination of instruments, sample sizes and transport conditions. It explicitly excludes statistical sampling plans (such as AQL-based lot acceptance), which are covered by separate standards.

Key topics and requirements

• Roles and competence of sampling personnel — training in aseptic technique and awareness of minimizing changes to the native microbial flora.
• Sampling equipment and materials — sterile or appropriate non-sterile receptacles depending on test purpose; thermometers and calibrated probes where required.
• Sample collection techniques — representative increment selection, avoidance of cross-contamination, and instructions for delicate or perishable items.
• Sample labelling, documentation and chain of custody — clear identifiers, sampling purpose, time and environmental conditions.
• Decontamination and cleaning of instruments and surfaces (e.g., 70% ethanol or equivalent) and use of sterile implements when required.
• Packaging and transport requirements — temperature control, appropriate cushioning for fragile items and timely delivery to the laboratory to preserve microbiological state.
• Notes on compositing and pooling — guidance on increment sizes and when composite samples are acceptable versus when individual samples are required.

These topics are drawn from the Technical Specification text and practical guidance summaries.

Typical use and users

Used by food and feed producers, quality assurance teams, contract and public health laboratories, auditors and inspectors, regulatory authorities, and research organizations that collect samples for microbiological testing. It is intended for laboratory samplers and personnel responsible for sample collection and transport protocols to ensure testable, representative samples.

Related standards

Commonly used together with: ISO/IEC 17025 (competence of testing and calibration laboratories), ISO 2859 series (sampling procedures and acceptance sampling guidance), and other ISO standards and technical reports on microbiological methods and sampling (for example standards produced by ISO/TC 34/SC 9). These documents complement the sampling techniques by addressing laboratory competence, statistical sampling plans and specific analytical methods.

Keywords

microbiology, sampling, food, feed, aseptic technique, sample transport, sample integrity, chain of custody, ISO/TS 17728:2015, laboratory sampling

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/TS 17728:2015 is a Technical Specification titled "Microbiology of the food chain — Sampling techniques for microbiological analysis of food and feed samples" that provides practical guidance for collecting and transporting microbiological samples prior to laboratory examination.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers principles and procedures for sampling personnel, equipment, aseptic technique, containers, labelling, decontamination, sample sizes and transport conditions. It does not include statistical sampling plans (AQL or lot acceptance), which are addressed in separate standards.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Food and feed producers, laboratory samplers, contract testing laboratories, regulatory inspectors, quality assurance teams and researchers involved in microbiological sampling for routine testing, surveillance or investigations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO/TS 17728:2015 is the 2015 Technical Specification edition; the ISO bibliographic record indicates it was published in June 2015 and has been subject to ISO periodic review. Users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards bodies for any updates or amendments beyond the 2015 edition before purchase or formal adoption.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ISO work in food microbiology developed by ISO/TC 34/SC 9 and is complementary to other ISO documents on sampling and laboratory competence (for example the ISO 2859 sampling procedures series and ISO/IEC 17025 for laboratory competence).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Microbiology, sampling techniques, food and feed sampling, aseptic sampling, sample transport, chain of custody, ISO/TS 17728:2015.