Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1240Show full title

PART I U.K. Sampling for chemical and microbiological analysis and sensory evaluation

1. Chemical and microbiological analysis U.K.

Quantity of butter(kg)	Minimum number of samples(> 100 g)
≤ 1 000	2
> 1 000 ≤ 5 000	3
> 5 000 ≤ 10 000	4
> 10 000 ≤ 15 000	5
> 15 000 ≤ 20 000	6
> 20 000 ≤ 25 000	7
> 25 000	7 + 1 per 25 000 kg or part thereof

Sampling for microbiological analysis must be carried out aseptically.

Up to five samples of 100 g may be combined into one sample for analysis after thorough mixing.

The samples must be taken randomly from different parts of each lot before or at the time of entry into the cold store designated by the paying agency.

Preparation of composite butter sample (chemical analysis):

(a)

using a clean, dry butter trier or similar suitable instrument, extract a core of butter of at least 30 g and place in a sample container. The composite sample must then be sealed and forwarded to the laboratory for analysis;

(b)

at the laboratory the composite sample is to be warmed in the original unopened container to 30 °C and shaken frequently until a homogeneous fluid emulsion free of unsoftened pieces is obtained. The container should be one half to two thirds full.

Two samples per year per producer offering butter for intervention must be analysed for non-milk fat.

2. Sensory evaluation U.K.

Quantity of butter(kg)	Minimum number of samples
1 000 ≤ 5 000	2
> 5 000 ≤ 25 000	3
> 25 000	3 + 1 per 25 000 kg or part thereof

Following a trial storage period of 30 days, samples are to be taken randomly from different parts of each lot between the 30th and the 45th day following delivery of the butter and graded.

Each sample must be assessed individually in accordance with Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 273/2008. No resampling or re-evaluation is allowed.

3. Guidelines to be followed where samples show defects U.K.

(a) chemical and microbiological analysis: U.K.

(i)

where individual samples are analysed, one sample showing a single defect out of five to 10 samples or two samples each showing a single defect out of 11 to 15 samples may be allowed. Where a sample shows a defect, two new samples must be taken from either side of the sample showing the defect and checked for the parameter in question. Where neither sample meets the specification, the quantity of butter between the original two samples on either side of the sample showing the defect must be rejected from the quantity offered.

Quantity to be rejected where the new sample shows a defect:

(ii)

where composite samples are analysed and found to show defects in respect of one parameter, the quantity represented by the composite sample concerned is to be rejected from the quantity offered. The quantity represented by one composite sample may be determined by subdividing the quantity before samples are taken randomly from each part thereof;

(b) sensory evaluation: where a sample fails the sensory evaluation, the quantity of butter between two neighbouring samples on either side of the sample failing is to be rejected from the quantity of the lot, U.K.

(c) where samples show a sensory defect and either a chemical or a microbiological defect, the whole quantity is to be rejected. U.K.