**1.2. Transport of samples**

Samples of food concentrates such as honey are microbiologically stable and can be transported and stored at ambient temperature. Nevertheless, they should be protected against moisture and excessive heat [20].

### **1.3. Analytical unit**

This is the amount of food sample used in conducting one or more tests. The sample unit must be greater than that required for analysis, with sufficient quantities for the counter-sample.

In Brazil, tests for the quantitation of microorganisms in honey comprise mould and yeast counts, the count of total and faecal coliforms and S*almonella* analysis, the trials of which are usually done with an analytical unit of 25 g of honey (in special cases at least 10 g of honey can be used). Analytical units of 25 g meet the requirements of ISO 6887-1 [20], and those of the Compendium, for all tests. Two analytical units are required for analysis of a honey sample one for mould and yeast quantification, total and thermotolerant coliform count and the other test for the absence or presence of *Salmonella*.
