Table 1: Comparison of Characteristics of Microbiological FSOs/POs and Microbiological
Criteria6
Microbiological Criteria
A statement of conditions that
differentiates acceptable from
unacceptable lots of food
Applied to food processing operations Applied to individual lots or
consignments
Components:
• Microorganism (toxin) of concern
• Sampling plan
• Analytical unit
• Analytical method
• Microbiological limits
• Number of analytical units
complying with the limit
Cannot be used to define an FSO or
a PO
Used for food safety and quality
Based on an FSO/PO or (if
absent) on what risk managers
believe will ensure the supply of
safefoods
Can be used to drive changes to
ensure individual lots will comply with
requirements
Not suitable to assess the food
safety system as it provides only
information on a single lot, not on
previous or subsequent lots
Confidence may be less in achieving
consistent results if processes are
not designed and validated to meet
the FSO or PO
Food Safety Objective/Performance Objective
A goal for process design to obtain
acceptable food
Components:
Maximum frequency and/or concentration
of a hazard
Can be used to establish a microbiological
criterion
Used for food safety (hazards)
Foods 2: Sampling for Microbiological
Analysis: Principles and Specific Applica-
tions. 7 In this book, the ICMSF intro-
duced concepts of probability and
developed a scheme for the selection of
cases and attributes plans in order to es-
tablish microbiological criteria for food
lot acceptance. These plans take into ac-
count the conditions under which the
product is expected to be handled and
consumed. These conditions will cause
no changes in the relevant organisms
(e.g., in shelf-stable products), lead to an
increase if there is an opportunity for
growth or lead to a decrease if a kill step
(e.g., cooking) is applied just before con-
sumption. Another element considered
is related to the degree of concern rela-
tive to a microorganism, that is, a food
utility/hygiene indicator and a mild haz-
ard up to a severe hazard. Using this ap-
proach, 15 cases were found to require
an increased stringency for sampling
plans applied for lot acceptance. The
strictest requirements (absence in 60 ×
25 g) have been recommended for Sal-
monella intended for the most sensitive
population of foods, such as a infant for-
mula reconstituted with water, where
conditions may be conducive to in-
creased risk if product is mishandled,
allowing for growth.
