Microbiological Testing and Interpretation Guidance

This document complements the CFA/BRC Microbiological Criteria Guidance. It sets out how microbiological testing fits into HACCP, where sampling should take place and how data should be interpreted and acted upon.

The Microbiological Testing and Interpretation Guidance includes information on:Uttoxeter (2) - Copy

  • Monitoring points
  • Microorganisms for consideration
  • Microbiological specifications
  • Interpretation of data
  • Effective communication of results (including when to notify authorities)
  • Shelf life
  • Manufacturers and brand owners obligations.

Download CFA Micro Testing Interpretation Guidance

Key Principles

The key principles of testing, as outlined in CFA’s 2006 Micro Testing and Interpretation Guidance (MTIG), are universal, i.e. apply to microbiological, chemical, authenticity etc:

  1. Always consider why the test is being done. What information do you hope to obtain, what would results mean? What are you going to do about the consequences? Is any potentially required corrective action within your control?
  2. Only use laboratories certificated for that specific method and that the method has been validated for the analyte/organism and food matrix in question‎. Identify what interfering factors there might be in the food material‎, e.g. anthocyanins‎/ELISA.  See Appendix 2 of our Micro Testing and Interpretation Guidance.
  3. Understand before testing is done what the sensitivity, accuracy and tolerance are of the method used, and how these may impact on results.
  4. Before testing is done obtain in writing ‎from the laboratory a written agreement covering communication of findings to you (the Food Business Operator) and to any agreed third party. This is important as samples may not be from product on or intended for the market.
  5. For manufacturers’ and brand owners’ obligations ‎see section 10 of MTIG.