ISO 16212:2017/Amd 1:2022

Overview

ISO 16212:2017/Amd 1:2022 is an amendment to the internationally recognized ISO 16212:2017 standard that focuses on microbiological methods for the enumeration of yeast and mould in cosmetics. Developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 217 in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization CEN/TC 392, this amendment updates and refines procedures to ensure accurate detection and counting of fungal contaminants in cosmetic products.

The amendment introduces a specific modification to the liquid culture medium used in testing, known as Modified Eugon LT liquid broth. This change enhances the reliability and reproducibility of microbiological testing, which is critical for product safety assurance and regulatory compliance in the cosmetics industry.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  The standard defines microbiological enumeration techniques dedicated to identifying yeast and mould contamination levels in cosmetics. It is vital for quality control laboratories and manufacturers to maintain hygiene and consumer safety.

• Modified Eugon LT Liquid Broth Composition
  The amendment provides a detailed formula for the broth medium, including ingredients such as pancreatic digest of casein, papaic digest of soybean meal, sodium chloride, L-cystine, sodium sulphite, glucose, egg lecithin, polysorbate 80, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, and water.

• Preparation Method
  The amendment specifies step-by-step preparation instructions:

  • Polysorbate 80 and egg lecithin are dissolved successively in boiling water.
  • Other components are mixed with heating until fully dissolved.
  • The medium is sterilized at 121 °C for 15 minutes in an autoclave.
  • Post-sterilization, the medium’s pH must be adjusted to 7.0 ± 0.2 at room temperature.
  • Homogenization while hot ensures redissolution of settled substances.

• Standardization and Quality Assurance
  The amendment upholds the principles outlined in ISO/IEC Directives, ensuring that testing procedures align with best practices in conformity assessment and international trade compliance.

Applications

• Cosmetics Microbiological Testing
  This standard is essential for laboratories conducting routine microbiological quality control of cosmetic products. It enables accurate enumeration of yeast and mould, key contaminants that can affect product shelf life, efficacy, and consumer safety.

• Regulatory Compliance
  Manufacturers and quality assurance teams use this standard to meet regulatory requirements related to microbial limits in cosmetic products, minimizing the risk of product recalls or consumer health hazards.

• Product Development and Stability Testing
  During formulation and stability trials, ISO 16212:2017/Amd 1:2022 helps in monitoring microbial contamination, guiding preservative system assessments and microbiological control strategies.

• International Trade Facilitation
  By adhering to an internationally harmonized method, cosmetic producers can ensure consistent microbial safety standards, facilitating market access and consumer trust globally.

Related Standards

• ISO 17516 - Cosmetics - Microbiology - Limits for Microbial Count
  Complementary to ISO 16212, this standard specifies microbial limits in finished cosmetic products.

• ISO 22716 - Cosmetics - Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
  Defines GMP principles to prevent microbial contamination during cosmetic production.

• ISO 21149 - Cosmetics - Microbiology - Enumeration of Microorganisms (Total Viable Count)
  Provides methods for overall microbial enumeration, including bacteria.

• CEN/TC 392 Standards for Cosmetics
  European standards that align with ISO methods for cosmetic microbiology and safety.

Keywords: ISO 16212 amendment, cosmetics microbiology, yeast and mould enumeration, Modified Eugon LT broth, cosmetic product safety, microbial testing standard, cosmetic quality control, microbiological contamination, cosmetic regulatory compliance.