This document specifies the general principles and the technical protocols for single-laboratory validation of methods for microbiology in the food chain. The protocols in this document only validate the method for the laboratory conducting the study.

This document is applicable to single-laboratory validation of:

— methods used in the analysis (detection or quantification) of microorganisms in:

• — products intended for human consumption;
• — products intended for animal feeding;
• — environmental samples in the area of food and feed production, handling;
• — samples from the primary production stage;

— methods for the confirmation or typing of microorganisms. This validation will replace only the confirmation or typing procedure of a specified method (see Annex G).

This document 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.

Single-laboratory validation is required if an interlaboratory validation in accordance with ISO 16140-2 is not appropriate. Possible applications are:

— validation of an in-house method;

— method evaluation study in the validation process of a reference method in accordance with ISO 17468;

— extension of the scope of an ISO 16140-2 validated method, e.g. category extension or test portion size;

— modifications of existing methods.

Single-laboratory validation is the second step in the standardization of a reference method (see ISO 17468). It is only applicable to methods that are fully specified with regard to all relevant parameters (including tolerances on temperatures and specifications on culture media) and that have already been optimized.