Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009Show full title

[F1 9. INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING, PREPARING AND PACKAGING THE SAMPLES U.K.

9.1. General U.K.

The samples must be taken and prepared without unnecessary delay bearing in mind the precautions necessary to ensure that the product is neither changed nor contaminated. Instruments and also surfaces and containers intended to receive samples must be clean and dry.

9.2. Incremental samples U.K.

Incremental samples must be taken at random throughout the whole sampled portion and they must be of approximately equal sizes.

The incremental sample size is at least 100 grams or 25 grams in case of roughage or forage with low specific gravity.

In case that in accordance with the rules for the sampling procedure established in point 8 less than 40 incremental samples have to be taken, the size of the incremental samples shall be determined in function of the required size of the aggregate sample to be achieved (see point (6).

In case of sampling of small lots of packaged feed where according to the quantitative requirements a limited number of incremental samples have to be taken, an incremental sample shall be the contents of one original unit whose contents do not exceed 1 kg or one litre.

In case of sampling of packaged feed composed of small units (e.g. < 250 g), the size of the incremental sample depends on the size of the unit.

9.2.1. Loose feed U.K.

Where appropriate, sampling may be carried out when the sampled portion is being moved (loading or unloading).

9.2.2. Packaged feed U.K.

Having selected the required number of units for sampling as indicated in chapter 5, part of the contents of each unit shall be removed using a spear or shovel. Where necessary, the samples shall be taken after emptying the units separately.

9.2.3. Homogeneous or homogenisable liquid or semi-liquid feed U.K.

Having selected the required number of units for sampling as indicated in chapter 5, the contents shall be homogenised if necessary and an amount taken from each unit.

The incremental samples may be taken when the contents are being discharged.

9.2.4. Non-homogenisable, liquid or semi-liquid feed U.K.

Having selected the required number of units for sampling as indicated in chapter 5, samples shall be taken from different levels.

Samples may also be taken when the contents are being discharged but the first fractions shall be discarded.

In either case the total volume taken must not be less than 10 litres.

9.2.5. Feed blocks and mineral licks U.K.

Having selected the required number of blocks or licks for sampling as indicated in chapter 5, a part of each block or lick can be taken. In case of suspicion of a non-homogeneous block or lick, the whole block or lick can be taken as sample.

For blocks or licks weighing not more than 1 kg each, an incremental sample shall be the contents of one block or one lick.

9.3. Preparation of aggregate samples U.K.

The incremental samples shall be mixed to form a single aggregate sample.

9.4. Preparation of final samples U.K.

The material in the aggregate sample shall be carefully mixed(1).

• Each sample shall be put into an appropriate container/receptacle. All necessary precautions shall be taken to avoid any change of composition of the sample, contamination or adulteration which might arise during transportation or storage.

• In case of the control of constituents or substances uniformly distributed throughout the feed, the aggregate sample can be representatively reduced to at least 2,0 kg or 2,0 litres (reduced sample)(2) preferably either by using a mechanical or automatic divider. For the control of the presence of pesticide residues in pulses, cereal grains and tree nuts, the minimum size of the reduced sample shall be 3 kg. In case the nature of the feed does not allow using a divider or the divider is not available, then the sample can be reduced by the quartering method. From the reduced samples the final samples (for control, defence and reference) shall then be prepared of approximately the same amount and conforming to the quantitative requirements of chapter 7. In case of the control of constituents, including genetically modified material, or substances likely to be distributed non-uniformly in feed materials, the aggregate sample shall be:

  • completely homogenized and divided afterwards into final samples or

  • reduced to at least 2 kg or 2 litres(3) by using a mechanical or automatic divider. Only in the case that the nature of the feed does not allow for using a divider, the sample can, if necessary, be reduced by quartering method. For the control of the presence of genetically modified material in the frame of Regulation (EU) No 619/2011, the reduced sample must contain at least 35 000 seeds/grains to enable to obtain the final samples for enforcement, defence and reference of at least 10 000 seeds grain (see [F2 footnote (b) to the table in point 6 of this Annex and footnote (a) to the table in point 7 of this Annex]).

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in Annex 1 point 9.4 substituted (31.12.2022) by The Food and Feed (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1351), regs. 1(1), 16(3)(b)

9.5. Packaging of samples U.K.

The containers or packages shall be sealed and labelled in such a manner that they cannot be opened without damaging the seal. The total label must be incorporated in the seal.

9.6. Sending of samples to the laboratory U.K.

The sample shall be sent without unnecessary delay to the designated analytical laboratory, together with the information necessary for the analyst.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EU) No 691/2013 of 19 July 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 as regards methods of sampling and analysis (Text with EEA relevance).

(1)

[F1 Any lumps shall be broken up (if necessary by separating them out and returning them to the sample).]

(2)

[F1 Except in the case of roughage or forage with low specific gravity.]

(3)

[F1 Except in the case of roughage or forage with low specific gravity.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Substituted by Commission Regulation (EU) No 691/2013 of 19 July 2013 amending Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 as regards methods of sampling and analysis (Text with EEA relevance).