Gives the requirements for the performance of culture media. Concerns the comparability, traceability, reproducibility and suitability of culture media used in microbiological laboratories. These characteristics are achieved by applying the quality criteria given in this standard. Applies to non- commercial organizations that distribute media to satellite locations; commercial organizations distributing media to microbiology laboratories in ready-to-use form, as dehydrated media or as semi-finished media (see 2.5 in EN 1659:1996); laboratories that prepare culture media for their own use. Does not cover cell culture media.