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

J. METHOD OF SAMPLING FOR BABY FOODS AND PROCESSED CEREAL BASED FOODS FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN U.K.

This method of sampling is of application for the official control of the maximum levels established:

• for aflatoxins, ochratoxin A and Fusarium-toxins in baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children,

• for aflatoxins and ochratoxin A in dietary foods for special medical purposes (other than milk and milk products) intended specifically for infants and

• for patulin in baby foods other than processed cereal based foods for infants and young children. For the control of the maximum levels established for patulin in apple juice and solid apple products for infants and young children the method of sampling as described under part I of Annex I shall apply.

J.1. Method of sampling U.K.

• The method of sampling for cereals and cereal products as set out in point B.4 of Annex I shall apply to food intended for infants and young children. Accordingly the number of incremental samples to be taken shall depend on the weight of the lot, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 100, in accordance with Table 2 at point B.4 of Annex I. For very small lots (≤ 0,5 tonnes) a lower number of incremental samples may be taken, but the aggregate sample uniting all incremental samples shall be also in that case at least 1 kg.

• weight of the incremental sample shall be about 100 grams. In the case of lots in retail packing, the weight of the incremental sample shall depend on the weight of the retail packing and in case of very small lots (≤ 0,5 tonnes) the incremental samples shall have a weight as such that uniting the incremental samples results in an aggregate sample of at least 1 kg. Departure from this method shall be recorded in the record provided for under A.3.8.

• weight of aggregate sampling = 1-10 kg sufficiently mixed.

J.2. Sampling at retail stage U.K.

Sampling of foodstuffs at the retail stage shall be done where possible in accordance with the 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(2).

J.3. Acceptance of a lot or sublot U.K.

• 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.