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Experts in Belgium have given reasons why they believe a second analysis is not needed when doing microbiological testing.

The Scientific Committee of the Federal Agency for the Safety of the Food Chain (FASFC) proposed an amendment to the draft decree on the taking and analysis of samples in foodborne outbreaks. The advisory body provides advice on the assessment and management of risks in the food chain.

Experts said a second microbiological analysis is not scientifically relevant, given that the analysis of the first sample by an accredited laboratory provides a reliable assessment of the microbial safety of the lot.

Repeating the analysis, possibly on a sample from another lot where the bacterial flora may have evolved, will not provide a more accurate representation of initial contamination. The heterogeneity of contamination in lots is also a key factor, as the uneven distribution of microorganisms means that an initial positive result might not be reproduced during a second analysis, said experts.

Two-stage system
The operator still has the option to request a documentary examination, carried out by an independent expert, at their own expense.

Field sampling by FASFC for microbiological analyses of foodstuffs is carried out in two stages.

An initial sample is taken as part of an inspection at an operator’s premises. No measures are taken by the agency at this stage if the result of the analysis is non-compliant.

If the first sample is non-compliant, a new sample i...