This International Standard gives general guidelines for the detection and identification of the specified
microorganism Escherichia coil in cosmetic products. Microorganisms considered as specified in this
International Standard might differ from country to country according to national practices or regulations.
In order to ensure product quality and safety for consumers, it is advisable to perform an appropriate
microbiological risk analysis, so as to determine the types of cosmetic products to which this International
Standard is applicable. Products considered to present a low microbiological risk include those with low water
activity hydro-alcoholic products, extreme pH values, etc.
ThJs international Standard specifies a method that is based on the detectJon of Escherichia ceil in a
non-selective liquid medium (enrichment broth), followed by isolation on a selective agar medium. ~ther
methods may be appropriate depending on the level of detection required.
NOTE For the detection of Escherichla coil, subcultures can be performed on non-selective culture media followed by
suitable identification steps (e.g. using identification kits).
Because of the large variety of cosmetic products within this field of application, this method might not be
suited to some products in every detail (e.g. ceRain water-immiscible products) Other international Standards
may be appropriate. Other methods (e.g. automated) can be substituted for the test presented here provided
that their equivalence has been demonstrated or the method has been otherwise validated