Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006Show full title

G. METHOD FOR SAMPLING COFFEE AND COFFEE PRODUCTS

This method of sampling is of application for the official control of the maximum levels established for ochratoxin A in roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee and soluble coffee.

G.1. Weight of the incremental sample

The weight of the incremental sample shall be about 100 grams, unless otherwise defined in this part G of Annex I.

In the case of lots in retail packings, the weight of the incremental sample shall depend on the weight of the retail packing.

In the case of retail packs of more than 100 grams, this will result in aggregate samples weighing more than 10 kg. If the weight of a single retail pack is much more than 100 grams, then 100 grams shall be taken from each individual retail pack as an incremental sample. This can be done either when the sample is taken or in the laboratory. However, in cases where such method of sampling would lead to unacceptable commercial consequences resulting from damage to the lot (because of packaging forms, means of transport, etc.), then an alternative method of sampling can be applied. For example, in case where a valuable product is marketed in retail packs of 500 grams or 1 kg, the aggregate sample can be obtained by the aggregation of a number of incremental samples that is smaller than the number indicated in Tables 1 and 2, on the condition that the weight of the aggregate sample corresponds to the required weight of the aggregate sample mentioned in Tables 1 and 2.

Where the retail pack is less than 100 grams and if the difference is not very large, one retail pack shall be considered as one incremental sample, resulting in an aggregate sample of less than 10 kg. If the weight of the retail pack is much less than 100 grams, one incremental sample shall consist of two or more retail packs, whereby the 100 grams are approximated as closely as possible.

G.2. General survey of the method of sampling for roasted coffee

Table 1

Subdivision of lots into sublots depending on product and lot weight

a Depending on the lot weight — see Table 2 of this Annex.
Commodity	Lot weight (tones)	Weight or number of sublots	Number of incremental samples	Aggregate sample Weight (kg)
Roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee and soluble coffee	≥ 15	15-30 tonnes	100	10
	< 15	—	10-100a	1-10

G.3. Method of sampling for roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee, soluble coffee (lots ≥ 15 tonnes)

• On condition that the sublot can be separated physically, each lot shall be subdivided into sublots following Table 1. Taking into account that the weight of the lot is not always an exact multiple of the weight of the sublots, the weight of the sublot may vary from the mentioned weight by a maximum of 20 %.

• Each sublot shall be sampled separately.

• Number of incremental samples: 100.

• Weight of the aggregate sample = 10 kg.

• If it is not possible to carry out the method of sampling described above because of the unacceptable commercial consequences resulting from damage to the lot (because of packaging forms, means of transport, etc.) an alternative method of sampling may be applied provided that it is as representative as possible and is fully described and documented.

G.4. Method of sampling for roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee, soluble coffee (lots < 15 tonnes)

For roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee, soluble coffee under 15 tonnes the sampling plan shall be used with 10 to 100 incremental samples, depending on the lot weight, resulting in an aggregate sample of 1 to 10 kg.

The figures in the following table can be used to determine the number of incremental samples to be taken.

Table 2

Number of incremental samples to be taken depending on the weight of the lot of roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee, soluble coffee

Lot weight (tonnes)	Number of incremental samples	Aggregate sample weight (kg)
≤ 0,1	10	1
> 0,1-≤ 0,2	15	1,5
> 0,2-≤ 0,5	20	2
> 0,5-≤ 1,0	30	3
> 1,0-≤ 2,0	40	4
> 2,0-≤ 5,0	60	6
> 5,0-≤ 10,0	80	8
> 10,0-≤ 15,0	100	10

G.5. Method of sampling for roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee, soluble coffee traded in vacuum packs

For lots equal to or more than 15 tonnes at least 25 incremental samples resulting in a 10 kg aggregate sample shall be taken and for lots less than 15 tonnes, 25 % of the number of incremental samples mentioned in Table 2 shall be taken resulting in an aggregate sample of which the weight corresponds to the weight of the sampled lot (see Table 2).

G.6. Sampling at retail stage

Sampling of foodstuffs at the retail stage shall be done where possible in accordance with the sampling provisions set out in this part of Annex I.

Where that is not possible, an alternative method of sampling at retail stage may be used provided that it ensures that the aggregate sample is sufficiently representative of the sampled lot and is fully described and documented. In any case, the aggregate sample shall be at least 1 kg(2).

G.7. Acceptance of a lot or sublot

• acceptance if the laboratory sample conforms to the maximum limit, taking into account the correction for recovery and measurement uncertainty;

• rejection if the laboratory sample exceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt taking into account the correction for recovery and measurement uncertainty.

(1)

A guidance document for competent authorities for the control of compliance with EU legislation on aflatoxins is available at http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/food/chemicalsafety/contaminants/aflatoxin_guidance_en.pdf The guidance document provides additional practical information but the information contained in the guidance document is subordinate to the provisions in this Regulation.

(2)

In case the portion to be sampled is so small that it is impossible to obtain an aggregate sample of 1 kg, the aggregate sample weight might be less than 1 kg.