ISO 6887-3:2017/Amd 1:2020

Overview

ISO 6887-3:2017/Amd 1:2020 is an amendment to the international standard that provides specific rules for the preparation of test samples, initial suspension, and decimal dilutions for microbiological examination in the food chain, focusing specifically on fish and fishery products. This amendment addresses the sample preparation procedures for raw marine gastropods, ensuring consistent, accurate, and reliable microbiological testing. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 34/SC 9, the standard is vital for laboratories and food safety professionals in the seafood industry.

Key Topics

• Sample Preparation for Raw Marine Gastropods
  The amendment details protocols for collecting, handling, and preparing raw marine gastropod samples such as sea snails, ensuring microbiological analysis reflects true contamination levels. Specifically:

  • Washing at least 10 individuals under potable water.
  • Extraction of the animal body using appropriate tools (e.g., pincers, special picks).
  • Optional shell crushing with a hammer.
  • Cutting the gastropod meat into cubes while removing shell debris.
  • Preparation of a mother suspension with a 1:3 dilution ratio.
  • Homogenization via rotary or peristaltic homogenizers.
  • Further dilution to exactly 1:10 for microbiological assays.

• Temperature Control Between Sampling and Analysis
  The amendment emphasizes controlling sample temperature during transit, requiring that the ambient or sample temperature on receipt is below the temperature measured at sampling if transport time is under four hours, enhancing microbiological examination reliability.

• Integration with Existing ISO Procedures
  The standard references existing operational methods and harmonizes with sections 7.2.2, 7.2.4, and 7.2.5 of the main standard, providing a cohesive framework for fish and fishery product preparation.

Applications

• Seafood Microbiology Laboratories
  Implementation of this amendment ensures accurate and standardized microbiological testing of raw marine gastropods, enabling reliable detection of pathogens and spoilage organisms critical for food safety evaluations.

• Food Safety Compliance and Quality Control
  Regulatory authorities and food producers use these guidelines to comply with international safety standards, minimizing the risk of contaminated seafood reaching consumers.

• Research and Development
  Researchers studying microbial contamination in fishery products benefit from the defined sample preparation techniques, facilitating reproducible and comparable data.

• Marine Food Industry
  Companies processing marine gastropods integrate these sample preparation methods into their quality assurance workflows to uphold hygiene and safety across the supply chain.

Related Standards

• ISO 6887 Series
  Other parts of ISO 6887 cover preparation of test samples and dilutions for various food products, ensuring comprehensive microbiological examination protocols across the food industry.

• ISO/IEC Directives
  Guidelines referenced for drafting and updating standards, ensuring clarity, consistency, and international acceptance.

• ISO 17410
  Addresses microbiological examination techniques for fish and fishery products, complementing sampling methods described in ISO 6887-3.

• Codex Alimentarius Guidelines
  International food safety guidelines that align with ISO standards for seafood product microbiology.

By adhering to ISO 6887-3:2017/Amd 1:2020, professionals in the microbiology of the food chain can ensure standardized, accurate testing procedures for raw marine gastropods. This contributes to safer seafood products, compliance with international regulations, and improved consumer health protection globally.