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EN 13697:2015+A1:2019 – Quantitative non-porous surface test for the evaluation of bactericidal and/or fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants used in food, industrial, domestic and institutional areas
BS EN 13697 is the European standard test method for assessing the bactericidal and fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants intended for use on non-porous surfaces. This method ensures that the disinfectants used in food preparation environments, hospitals, and public facilities can efficiently kill bacteria, yeasts or molds that can pose serious health risks if left untreated.
This test method simulates practical conditions under which disinfectants are used on non-porous surfaces with or without mechanical action like scrubbing or wiping. The method tests disinfectants both under clean and dirty conditions thus providing an all-round analysis of whether disinfectant agents significantly decrease microbial contamination during practical usage.
EN 13697 test conditions & requirements
- Test temperature – In the range of 4 °C and 40 °C. For tests carried out at room temperature, the temperature may range from 18 °C to 25 °C
- Contact time – As per manufacturer’s instructions, typically ranging from 1 min to 60 mins.
- Mandatory test organisms – Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Aspergillus brasiliensis (ATCC 16404), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), MRSA (ATCC 33591), Salmonella enterica (ATCC 10708), Candida albicans (MTCC 3017)
- Interfering substance – It is required to check the efficacy of the test samples under both dirty and clean conditions to simulate conditions that coexist with microbes in natural environments.
Products tested using EN 13697 test method at MIS
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), various types of products undergo testing following the standard guidelines. These include disinfectants used in industries where hygiene is critical such as disinfectants used in food production areas, domestic cleaning, public spaces, instrument disinfectants and more.
EN 13697 test method
- A test suspension containing the target organisms is added to an interfering substance.
- The mixture is then inoculated onto a non-porous surface like glass or stainless steel and is allowed to dry.
- The test product (sample) and the control (hard water) are then applied to the surface containing the dried microbial film.
- The surface is maintained at the specified temperature for a defined contact time as instructed by the manufacturer.
- After the contact time lapses, the surface is neutralized using a neutralizing solution to halt the disinfectant action.
- The surviving microorganisms are then quantified to assess the efficacy of the disinfectant.
- The difference between the initial microbial count and the surviving count after disinfectant treatment is calculated as the log reduction value.
Efficacy criteria: The product is considered to pass the test if it shows ≥ 4 log reduction for bactericidal activity and ≥ 3 log reduction for fungicidal/yeasticidal activity.
Factors affecting EN 13697 test method
- Concentration of disinfectant: The strength of the disinfectant solution can affect its ability to eliminate microorganisms. Manufacturers instructions must be carefully followed to ensure accuracy in results.
- Contact time: Contact time depends on the concentration of the formula. The test is usually conducted following the contact time provided by the manufacturer.
- Temperature: Higher or lower temperatures may impact the disinfectant’s activity.
- Interfering substances: The presence of organic materials such as dirt or food residues can reduce the efficacy of the disinfectant.
Importance of BS EN 13697 standard test
The test is essential for verifying the efficacy of disinfectants used in sensitive areas, like food preparation facilities and healthcare settings. Regular testing ensures that products used within these sectors demonstrate the required levels of efficacy and thus contribute to reducing the risk of infections and contamination.
Regulatory and compliance for EN 13697 testing
Compliance with this standard is a requirement in most countries and regions. For instance, in the European Union, regulatory agencies require manufacturers to provide proof of efficacy of their products through standard testing. The results of these tests can be used for product registration, certification and market approval. Thus, the sole purpose of testing is to validate the efficacy of the product in eliminating the target pathogens.
Advantages of the test method
The advantages of performing this test method are
- It closely mimics the conditions found in everyday usage thus providing reliable results.
- The method applies to disinfectants used in a wide range of environments, including food processing, industrial cleaning, and household use.
- By testing under both clean and dirty conditions, the standard ensures that disinfectants are effective in various scenarios.
- It tests both bactericidal and fungicidal activity of disinfectants, thus encompassing a very wide range of microorganisms.
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we specialize in conducting EN 13697 tests to validate your disinfectant products. Our experienced team provides comprehensive testing services to ensure your products meet the required bactericidal and fungicidal standards.
For antimicrobial efficacy of surface disinfectants, MIS also performs EN 1276 and EN 14476 test methods.
For more information on our test pricing, facilities, and services, contact our team experts today.
FAQs
EN 13697 is a quantitative non-porous surface test that specifies the bactericidal and/or fungicidal activity of chemical disinfectants. This test is only for chemical disinfectants used in food, industrial, domestic, and institutional areas.
EN 13697 test is applicable for chemical disinfectant products used in food, industrial, domestic, and institutional areas.
EN 13697 test takes 3 to 4 days for bacteria and 7-14 days for viruses.
At Microbe Investigations, we understand the need for accuracy and speed. We test for EN 13697 using the following bacteria: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541), Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352), MRSA (ATCC 33591), Salmonella enterica ( ATCC 10708), Candida Albicans (MTCC 3017). Additional strains can be added on request.
EN 1276 is a suspension test, while EN 13697 is a surface test used to assess the disinfectant efficacy.
Manufacturers who develop disinfectants that are intended to be used in industries such as food processing, healthcare, hospitality, and public transportation must comply with this standard.
The standard tests disinfectants under both clean and dirty conditions, using specific microorganisms and standard exposure times to simulate actual usage environments.
No. This standard evaluates bactericidal and fungicidal activity. EN 14476 test can be performed for assessing virucidal activity.
Organic soil, such as food residues, can inhibit the action of disinfectants. The standard includes the use of organic soil to ensure the efficacy of the product when used in dirty conditions.
Yes, disinfectant wipes used on non-porous surfaces can be tested using this test method.
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