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RS ISO 21150: 2015
Cosmetics — Microbiology — Detection of Escherichia coli

Abstract

This International Standard gives general guidelines for the detection and identification of the specified
microorganism Escherichia coli i n c osmetic p roducts. M icroorganisms c onsidered a s s pecified i n t his
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 (see
ISO 29621) risk include those with low water activity, hydro-alcoholic products, extreme pH values, etc.
The method described in this International Standard is based on the detection of Escherichia coli in
a non-selective liquid medium (enrichment broth), followed by isolation on a selective agar medium.
Other methods may be appropriate, depending on the level of detection required.
NOTE For the detection of Escherichia coli, 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. certain water-immiscible products). Other International
Standards (ISO 18415) 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 shown to be suitable.

General Information

Code	Classification	Theme	Pages	Publisher	Availability
RS ISO 21150: 2015	ADOPTED ISO STANDARDS	Chemical technology	29	Second Edition Jul 2026	Available