SIST EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026
(Amendment)Microbiology of the food chain - Detection and enumeration of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in fresh leafy green vegetables and berry fruits - Amendment 1: Method validation studies and performance characteristics (ISO 18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
General Information
- Abstract
- Status
- Published
- Public Enquiry End Date
- 30-May-2025
- Publication Date
- 20-Jul-2026
- Technical Committee
- KŽP - Agricultural food products
- Current Stage
- 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
- Start Date
- 17-Jul-2026
- Due Date
- 21-Sep-2026
- Completion Date
- 21-Jul-2026
Overview
SIST EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026 addresses the microbiological analysis of the food chain, focusing on the detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in fresh leafy green vegetables and berry fruits. This amendment refines the standard's methodology, emphasizing method validation studies and performance characteristics for qualitative detection. The standard supports improved food safety by guiding laboratories in accurately identifying these protozoan parasites, which are significant concerns for public health.
Key Topics
Detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia
The standard outlines procedures for identifying the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts in selected fresh produce. Detection is qualitative, indicating presence or absence rather than enumeration.Method Validation and Performance
Amendment 1 introduces validated performance metrics-including specificity, sensitivity, and limit of detection (LOD)-based on interlaboratory studies. It highlights the reproducibility and reliability required for food microbiology testing across different laboratories.Sample Types and Approach
- Leafy green vegetables (e.g., lettuce)
- Berry fruits (e.g., raspberries) Laboratories must use defined protocols for sample preparation, handling, and centrifugation procedures to ensure optimal recovery of target organisms.
Performance Reporting
Results are to be reported as the presence or absence of the parasites per sample weight, along with supporting identification details as applicable.Interlaboratory Study Insights
- High reproducibility was observed for Cryptosporidium detection in lettuce and raspberries.
- Variable reproducibility was observed for Giardia detection in lettuce, highlighting the need for careful laboratory validation.
Applications
Food Safety Laboratories
Accredited laboratories use this standard for surveillance and outbreak investigations, supporting regulatory compliance and the verification of public health controls.Quality Assurance in Food Production
Producers and processors of fresh produce benefit from validated detection methods to minimize contamination risks, thus protecting brand integrity and consumer health.Regulatory Compliance
National authorities reference this standard for setting and verifying compliance with food safety regulations involving protozoan parasites.Research and Epidemiological Studies
Researchers use these protocols to assess contamination sources and prevalence, informing risk assessments and mitigation strategies in the food supply.
Related Standards
For comprehensive food microbiology and method validation, the following standards may also be relevant:
- ISO 16140-2: Microbiology of the food chain - Method validation
- ISO 6887: Preparation of test samples, initial suspension, and decimal dilutions for microbiological examination
- ISO 7218: General requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations
- ISO 21527: Enumeration of yeasts and molds in food
Practical Value
- Assurance of result comparability through standardized validation criteria
- Support for risk-based controls on fresh produce, where protozoan contamination has been of concern
- Foundation for harmonized international trade in produce by meeting recognized detection protocols
By adhering to SIST EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026, laboratories and food industry stakeholders enhance their capacity to detect protozoan parasites in fresh foods, thereby ensuring higher food safety standards and consumer protection on a national and international scale.
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2026
Get Certified
Connect with accredited certification bodies for this standard

BSI Group
BSI (British Standards Institution) is the business standards company that helps organizations make excellence a habit.

Bureau Veritas
Bureau Veritas is a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection and certification services.

DNV
DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider.
Sponsored listings
Frequently Asked Questions
SIST EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026 is a amendment published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). Its full title is "Microbiology of the food chain - Detection and enumeration of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in fresh leafy green vegetables and berry fruits - Amendment 1: Method validation studies and performance characteristics (ISO 18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)". This standard covers: Microbiology of the food chain - Detection and enumeration of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in fresh leafy green vegetables and berry fruits - Amendment 1: Method validation studies and performance characteristics (ISO 18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
Microbiology of the food chain - Detection and enumeration of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in fresh leafy green vegetables and berry fruits - Amendment 1: Method validation studies and performance characteristics (ISO 18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
SIST EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 07.100.30 - Food microbiology; 67.080.01 - Fruits, vegetables and derived products in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
SIST EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to SIST EN ISO 18744:2016. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
SIST EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2026
Mikrobiologija v prehranski verigi - Ugotavljanje prisotnosti in števila
"Cryptosporidium" in "Giardia" v sveži zeleni listnati zelenjavi in jagodičju -
Dopolnilo A1: Študije validacije metode in značilnosti delovanja (ISO
18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
Microbiology of the food chain - Detection and enumeration of Cryptosporidium and
Giardia in fresh leafy green vegetables and berry fruits - Amendment 1: Method
validation studies and performance characteristics (ISO 18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
Mikrobiologie der Lebensmittelkette - Nachweis und Zählung von Cryptosporidium und
Giardia in frischem grünem Blattgemüse und Beeren - Änderung 1 (ISO
18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
Microbiologie de la chaîne alimentaire - Recherche et dénombrement de
Cryptosporidium et Giardia dans les légumes verts frais à feuilles et les fruits à baies -
Amendement 1: Études de validation des méthodes et caractéristiques de performance
(ISO 18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026
ICS:
07.100.30 Mikrobiologija živil Food microbiology
67.080.01 Sadje, zelenjava in njuni Fruits, vegetables and
proizvodi na splošno derived products in general
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN ISO 18744:2016/A1
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
July 2026
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 07.100.30
English Version
Microbiology of the food chain - Detection and
enumeration of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in fresh leafy
green vegetables and berry fruits - Amendment 1: Method
validation studies and performance characteristics (ISO
18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
Microbiologie de la chaîne alimentaire - Recherche et Mikrobiologie der Lebensmittelkette - Nachweis und
dénombrement de Cryptosporidium et Giardia dans les Zählung von Cryptosporidium und Giardia in frischem
légumes verts frais à feuilles et les fruits à baies - grünem Blattgemüse und Beeren - Änderung 1:
Amendement 1: Études de validation des méthodes et Verfahrensvalidierungsstudien und
caractéristiques de performance (ISO Leistungsmerkmale (ISO 18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
18744:2016/Amd 1:2026)
This amendment A1 modifies the European Standard EN ISO 18744:2016; it was approved by CEN on 1 July 2026.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for inclusion of
this amendment into the relevant national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This amendment exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2026 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
European foreword
This document (EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 34
"Food products" in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 463 “Microbiology of the food
chain” the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
This Amendment to the European Standard EN ISO 18744:2016 shall be given the status of a national
standard, either by publication of an identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2027, and
conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by January 2027.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards
body/national committee. A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the
United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 18744:2016/Amd 1:2026 has been approved by CEN as EN ISO 18744:2016/A1:2026
without any modification.
International
Standard
ISO 18744
First edition
Microbiology of the food chain —
2016-04-01
Detection and enumeration of
Cryptosporidium and Giardia in
AMENDMENT 1
fresh leafy green vegetables and
2026-06
berry fruits
AMENDMENT 1: Method validation
studies and performance
characteristics
Microbiologie de la chaîne alimentaire — Recherche et
dénombrement de Cryptosporidium et Giardia dans les
légumes verts frais à feuilles et les fruits à baies
AMENDEMENT 1: Études de validation des méthodes et
caractéristiques de performance
Reference number
ISO 18744:2016/Amd.1:2026(en) © ISO 2026
ISO 18744:2016/Amd.1:2026(en)
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO 18744:2016/Amd.1:2026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO’s adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 34, Food products, Subcommittee SC 9,
Microbiology, in collaboration with the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee
CEN/TC 463, Microbiology of the food chain, in accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation
between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iii
ISO 18744:2016/Amd.1:2026(en)
Microbiology of the food chain — Detection and
enumeration of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in fresh leafy
green vegetables and berry fruits
AMENDMENT 1: Method validation studies and performance
characteristics
Contents
Add the following text after Annex C:
Annex D (informative) Method validation studies and performance characteristics
2. Normative references
Replace ISO 7218:2007 with ISO 7218:2024.
Clause 6, first sentence
Replace the text in brackets with the following:
in accordance with ISO 7218:2024
7.2, first sentence
Replace the text in brackets with the following:
in accordance with ISO 7218:2024, 9.2.
7.3, first sentence
Replace the text in brackets with the following:
in accordance with ISO 7218:2024, 9.3.
7.4, first sentence
Replace the text in brackets with the following:
in accordance with ISO 7218:2024, 9.4.
ISO 18744:2016/Amd.1:2026(en)
8.1, NOTE 1
Replace the text with the following:
Centrifugation at 2 500g can result in a very compact pellet. A lower speed
...



