Provides general requirements and guidance/options intended for three main uses: - implementation of ISO/TC 34/SC 9 or ISO/TC 34/SC 5 standards for detection or enumeration of microorganisms, named hereafter 'specific standards'; - good laboratory practice for food microbiological laboratories (the purpose is not to detail them in this International Standard, manuals are available for that purpose); - guidance for accreditation of food microbiological laboratories (this International Standard describes the technical requirements according to Annex B of ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for the accreditation of a microbiological laboratory by national organizations).