Sampling plays a crucial part in the precision of the determination of the levels of mycotoxins, which are very heterogeneously distributed in a lot. It is therefore necessary to fix general criteria which the sampling method should comply with.

It is also necessary to fix general criteria which the method of analysis should comply with in order to ensure that control laboratories use methods of analysis with comparable levels of performance.

It is appropriate to apply whenever possible the same sampling method to the same product for the control of mycotoxins. Therefore, the sampling methods and performance criteria for the methods of analysis to be used for the official control of all mycotoxins should be brought together in a single legal act in order to make them easier to apply.

Aflatoxins are very heterogeneously distributed in a lot, in particular in a lot of food products with a large particle size such as dried figs or groundnuts. In order to obtain the same representativeness, for batches with food products with large particle size, the weight of the aggregate sample should be larger than in case of batches with food products with a smaller particle size. Since the distribution of mycotoxins in processed products is generally less heterogeneous than in the unprocessed cereal products, it is appropriate to provide for simpler sampling provisions for processed products.

Directives 98/53/EC, 2002/26/EC, 2003/78/EC and 2005/38/EC should therefore be repealed.

The measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Standing Committee for the Food Chain and Animal Health,