BS EN ISO 23691:2026

This standard BS EN ISO 23691:2026 Microbiology of the food chain. Determination and use of cardinal values is classified in these ICS categories:

• 07.100.30 Food microbiology

This document establishes basic principles and specifies requirements and methods to determine the cardinal values of bacteria and yeast strains and use them to predict microbial growth. The four main steps of the approach are: determination of the cardinal values in culture medium; determination of the correction factor in the target food; validation of the model; simulations. Four environmental factors are considered: temperature, pH, aw and inhibitors (e.g. organic acids). NOTE 1        Microbial competition is not considered as an inhibitor in this document and can be addressed by proper modelling approaches. The determination of cardinal values is performed in a two-step approach: the determination of maximum specific growth rates of the studied strain grown in broth under a defined range of values of the studied environmental factor(s); the use of recognized predictive microbiology secondary models to fit the obtained experimental data to obtain the cardinal values. The use of cardinal values in microbial growth simulation is based on predictive microbiology primary and secondary models. The cardinal values are combined with challenge test data to consider the matrix effect. Depending on the goal of the growth simulation, it is important to account for variation of cardinal values between strains within a bacterial or yeast species. Cardinal values are a good indicator of a strain growth ability for the studied environmental factors. They are therefore used as criteria to select strains, in addition to their origin and virulence, when performing growth challenge tests (see ISO 20976-1) or in methods validation (see ISO 16140 series). NOTE 2        This document focuses on the determination of cardinal values for one strain. The same methodology can be used to characterize multiple strains independently to cover biological strain variability and include these results in the predictions.

BS EN ISO 23691:2026 - Microbiology of the Food Chain: Determination and Use of Cardinal Values

Introducing the BS EN ISO 23691:2026, a comprehensive standard that is pivotal for professionals in the field of food microbiology. This standard is meticulously crafted to provide detailed guidelines on the determination and use of cardinal values within the food chain, ensuring safety, quality, and compliance with international norms.

Overview

The BS EN ISO 23691:2026 is an essential document for anyone involved in the food industry, particularly those focused on microbiological safety and quality assurance. Released on February 20, 2026, this standard is the latest in a series of publications aimed at enhancing the understanding and application of microbiological principles in food safety.

Key Features

• Standard Number: BS EN ISO 23691:2026
• Pages: 56
• ISBN: 978 0 539 26949 9
• Status: Standard

Why This Standard is Important

In the ever-evolving landscape of food safety, understanding the microbiological aspects of the food chain is crucial. The BS EN ISO 23691:2026 provides a structured approach to determining cardinal values, which are critical parameters that influence microbial growth and survival. These values are essential for developing effective food safety management systems and ensuring that food products are safe for consumption.

Benefits of Using BS EN ISO 23691:2026

This standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: By understanding and applying cardinal values, food producers can better control microbial risks, leading to safer food products.
• Quality Assurance: Consistent application of these values helps maintain the quality and integrity of food products throughout the supply chain.
• Regulatory Compliance: Aligning with international standards ensures compliance with global food safety regulations, facilitating smoother trade and market access.
• Scientific Rigor: The standard is based on the latest scientific research, providing a reliable foundation for microbiological assessments.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN ISO 23691:2026 is designed for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Food Safety Managers
• Quality Assurance Specialists
• Microbiologists
• Regulatory Affairs Professionals
• Food Technologists

Detailed Content

Spanning 56 pages, this standard provides in-depth coverage of the following topics:

• Introduction to Cardinal Values in Microbiology
• Methods for Determining Cardinal Values
• Application of Cardinal Values in Food Safety Management
• Case Studies and Practical Examples
• Glossary of Terms and Definitions

Conclusion

The BS EN ISO 23691:2026 is an indispensable resource for anyone involved in the food industry. By providing a clear framework for the determination and use of cardinal values, this standard helps ensure that food products are safe, high-quality, and compliant with international standards. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this standard is a valuable tool for enhancing your understanding and application of microbiological principles in the food chain.

Stay ahead in the field of food safety and quality assurance with the BS EN ISO 23691:2026. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the food chain and ensure the highest standards of safety and quality.