ABSTRACT
Foods with low water activity, which are microbiologically stable, may be transported and stored at room temperature, although they should be protected against moisture. In the case of foods contained in vats, tanks or large containers, impossible to be transported to the laboratory, representative portions should be transferred from the bulk product to sterile collecting flasks or bags under aseptic conditions. Commercially sterile foods in sealed packages under normal circumstances may be transported and stored at room temperature, and should be protected against exposure to temperatures above 40 °C. Samples of bottled carbonated soft drinks, sold at room temperature, may also be transported and stored under the same conditions. A lot sample is a fraction of the total amount produced, withdrawn randomly, to evaluate the conditions of the lot. The presence of Salmonella in the composite sample is unacceptable, irrespective of how many or which sample units are contaminated.
