This part of ISO 16140 describes the protocol for the verification of reference methods, standardized reference methods and validated alternative methods for implementation in the user laboratory. Method verification does not apply to non-validated alternative methods. This part of ISO 16140 is applicable to the verification of methods used for the analysis (detection and/or quantification) of microorganisms in ¾ð products intended for human consumption, ¾ð products intended for animal feeding, ¾ð environmental samples in the area of food and feed production, handling, and ¾ð samples from the primary production stage. This part of ISO 16140 is, in particular, applicable to bacteria and fungi. Some clauses can be applicable to other (micro)organisms or their metabolites, to be determined on a case-by-case basis. The verification focuses on those (food) items that are within the scope of validation and are tested in the user laboratory.