K.METHOD OF SAMPLING FOR VEGETABLE OILS

This method of sampling is of application for the official control of the maximum levels established for mycotoxins, in particular aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin total and zearalenone, in vegetable oils.

K.1.Method of sampling for vegetable oils

• The weight of the incremental sample shall be at least about 100 grams (ml) (depending of the nature of the consignment e.g. vegetable oil in bulk, at least 3 incremental samples of about 350 ml have to be taken), resulting in an aggregate sample of at least 1 kg (litre),

• The minimum number of incremental samples to be taken from the lot shall be as given in Table 1. The lot shall be thoroughly mixed insofar possible by either manual or mechanical means immediately prior to sampling. In this case, a homogeneous distribution of aflatoxin can be assumed within a given lot, it is therefore sufficient to take three incremental samples from a lot to form the aggregate sample.

  Table 1Minimum number of incremental samples to be taken from the lot

  Form of commercialisation	Weight of lot (in kg)Volume of lot (in litres)	Minimum number of incremental samples to be taken
  Bulk12	—	3
  packages	≤ 50	3
  packages	> 50 to 500	5
  packages	> 500	10
  On condition that the sublot can be separated physically, large bulk consignments/lots of vegetable oils shall be subdivided into sublots as foreseen in table 2 of this part.

  Table 2Subdivision of lots into sublots depending on lot weight

  Commodity	Lot weight (tonne)	Weight or number of sublots	Minimum No incremental samples	Minimum aggregate sample weight (kg)
  Vegetable oils	≥ 1 500	500 tonnes	3	1
  	> 300 and < 1 500	3 sublots	3	1
  	≥ 50 and ≤ 300	100 tonnes	3	1
  	< 50	—	3	1

K.2.Method of sampling for vegetable oils at retail stage

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, other effective methods of sampling at retail stage may be used provided that they ensure 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 kg13.

K.3.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.