In the case of oils, for which a homogeneous distribution of benzo(a)pyrene can be assumed within a given lot, it is sufficient to take three incremental samples per lot to form the aggregate sample. Reference to the lot number shall be given. For olive oil and olive pomace oil further information on sampling is given in Commission Regulation (EC) No 1989/20034.

For other products, the minimum number of incremental samples to be taken from the lot shall be as given in Table 1. The incremental samples shall be of similar weight, no less than 100g each, resulting in an aggregate sample of no less than 300g (see point 3.5).

If the lot consists of individual packages, then the number of packages which shall be taken to form the aggregate sample is given in Table 2.

Sampling of foodstuffs at the retail stage should be done where possible in accordance with the above sampling provisions. Where this is not possible, other effective sampling procedures at retail stage can be used provided that they ensure sufficient representativeness for the sampled lot.