EN 1650: Chemical disinfectants and antiseptics – Quantitative suspension test for the evaluation of fungicidal or yeasticidal activity of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas
The EN 1650 test method applies to products intended for food, industrial, domestic and institutional applications. The purpose of this quantitative method is to determine the effectiveness of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics as fungicides or yeasticides (mold and yeast fungi). The test is designated for products that form a physically stable and homogenous solution when diluted with hard water or, in case of ready-to-use products, with water.
For evaluation of the product’s fugicidal activity, the test is conducted with the use of vegetative cells of yeast fungi or the spores of mold fungi. The yeasticidal activity evaluation is performed using vegetative cells of yeast fungi only. Standard microorganisms used include:
- Candida albicans (yeast fungus)
- Aspergillus species (mold fungus)
A previously diluted sample is added to a yeast cell or mold spore suspension in an interfering substance solution. The obtained mixture is sustained at room temperature for a defined period of time. Once this step concludes, the mixture is neutralized, typically with a dilution-neutralizer, and the number of surviving organisms is measured to further calculate the fungi/yeast reduction for evaluation of the product’s fungicidal or yeasticidal performance.
In order to reflect actual conditions of usage, the EN 1670 method allows for the introduction of an interfering substance into the testing scope. By doing so, challenging conditions that may be encountered during practical use of the product, can be accounted for. This includes a simulation of “clean” and “dirty” conditions achieved with low or high concentration of a bovine albumin solution among other methods.
To evaluate a product for its bactericidal activity, customers also commonly request the EN 1276 and EN 13697 methods.
For more information on the EN 1650 quantitative suspension test contact info@situtest.com or (847) 483-9950.