This International Standard specifies sampling methods for the detection and enumeration of microorganisms on the carcass surface of freshly slaughtered (red) meat animals. The microbiological sampling can be carried out as part of ? the process control (and to verify process control) in slaughter establishments for cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats and game raised in captivity, ? risk-based assurance systems for product safety, and ? surveillance programmes for the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms. This International Standard includes the use of destructive and non-destructive techniques depending on the reason for the sample collection. It does not consider the use of sampling plans. When national legislation on the topic exists, this prevails over this International Standard. Annex A shows sampling sites on the carcass, and Annex B gives requirements for microbiological examination. Annex C compares destructive and non-destructive methods.