GOST 10444.12-88 PDF

Full title and description

GOST 10444.12-88 — "Products of food industry. Method for determination of yeasts and moulds". This interstate (MGS) standard specifies microbiological culture methods for detection and enumeration of yeast and mould organisms in food products.

Abstract

Establishes a standardized laboratory procedure for isolating, cultivating and counting colonies of yeasts and moulds from a variety of food matrices. The standard defines sample preparation, inoculation, incubation conditions, colony counting and expression of results (CFU per unit). It permits the use of chromogenic media for preliminary detection in certain fat-containing products.

General information

• Status: Replaced / superseded (ЗАМЕНЁН). The GOST was later updated by a 2013 edition (GOST 10444.12-2013).
• Publication date: Approved 21 September 1988; Date of introduction into force 1 January 1990.
• Publisher: Interstate standard body / Gosstandart (USSR origin; administered as an interstate technical standard).
• ICS / categories: 07.100.30 (Microbiology of foodstuffs).
• Edition / version: Original designation: GOST 10444.12-88 (1988).
• Number of pages: 7 (original document length as published in the standard collection).

Scope

The standard applies to food products and establishes a quantitative microbiological method to determine the presence and number of yeasts and moulds. It is intended for routine laboratory control of finished products, raw materials and samples taken for hygiene and safety monitoring. The method covers culture-based detection and colony counting and includes provisions for special media when testing fat-rich items.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and general principles for microbiological analysis of yeasts and moulds.
• Sample collection and preparation procedures to obtain representative test portions.
• Choice and preparation of culture media appropriate for yeasts and moulds; allowance for chromogenic media in specified product types.
• Inoculation techniques, incubation temperatures and times for reliable growth of target organisms.
• Colony counting rules, calculation and reporting of results (CFU per g or ml) and interpretation of findings for quality control purposes.
• Reference to relevant normative documents (e.g., ISO methods and other GOST standards) for supplementary procedures and apparatus requirements.

Typical use and users

Used by food microbiology laboratories, quality control departments in food production and processing companies, regulatory and inspection bodies, and research institutions engaged in food safety and shelf-life studies. The method is applied for routine product release testing, shelf-life monitoring, raw-material control and investigation of spoilage incidents.

Related standards

Closely related to other entries in the GOST 10444 series (methods for microbiological examination of food) and references ISO 7954:1987 among other normative documents. The 1988 version has been superseded by GOST 10444.12-2013, which updates and consolidates procedures for detection and colony count of yeasts and moulds.

Keywords

GOST 10444.12-88; yeasts; moulds; fungi; colony count; CFU; microbiology; food safety; culture method; sample preparation; chromogenic media.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: GOST 10444.12-88 is an interstate (MGS) microbiological standard titled "Products of food industry. Method for determination of yeasts and moulds" that describes culture-based procedures for detecting and enumerating yeasts and moulds in food products.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sample handling and preparation, selection and preparation of culture media, inoculation and incubation conditions, colony counting and reporting of results (CFU per unit). It also allows specific adaptations such as chromogenic media for certain fatty products.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Food testing laboratories, producers’ quality-control teams, regulatory inspectors and researchers in food microbiology use this method for routine testing, shelf-life studies and contamination investigations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 1988 edition is superseded; the method was updated and republished under GOST 10444.12-2013. Implementers should consult the later edition for current, consolidated requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes. It belongs to the GOST 10444 series of standards dealing with microbiological methods for food products; related parts address other microbial groups and complementary procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Yeasts, moulds, colony count, CFU, food microbiology, culture method, sample preparation, GOST 10444.12-88.