EN    EN EN 
SANCO/06327/2009 Rev. 1 (POOL/E3/2009/06327/06327R1-EN.doc)  
EN    EN  COMMISSION OF THE E UROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Brussels,  
  
SANCO/06327/2009 – rev. 1  
 
 
 
 Draft 
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) 
of […] 
amending Regulation (EC) No 401/2006 layi ng down the methods of sampling and 
analysis for the official cont rol of the levels of mycotoxi ns in foodstuffs as regards 
groundnuts, other oilseeds, nuts, liquorice and vegetable oil.  
(Text with EEA relevance) 
 
(Memorandum from Ms A. VASSILIOU) 
 
  
EN    EN Draft 
COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) 
of […] 
amending Regulation (EC) No 401/2006 layi ng down the methods of sampling and 
analysis for the official cont rol of the levels of mycotoxi ns in foodstuffs as regards 
groundnuts, other oilseeds, nuts, liquorice and vegetable oil. 
 (Text with EEA relevance) 
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty esta blishing the European Community, 
Having regard to Regulation (EC) No 882/2004 of the European Parliament and of the 
Council of 29 April 2004 on official controls performed to ensure the verification of 
compliance with feed and food law, anim al health and animal welfare rules1, in particular 
Article 11 (4) 
Whereas: (1) Commission Regulation (E C) No 1881/2006 of 19 December 2006 setting maximum 
levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs
2 provides for maximum limits for certain 
mycotoxins in certain foodstuffs. 
(2) Sampling plays a crucial part in the precisi on of the determination of the levels of 
mycotoxins, which are very heterogeneously distributed in a lot. It is therefore 
necessary to fix general criteria whic h the sampling method should comply with. 
(3) Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006 of 23 February 2006 laying down the 
methods of sampling and analysis for the offici al control of the leve ls of mycotoxins in 
foodstuffs3 establishes the criteria for the sampling for the control of the levels of 
mycotoxins.  
(4) It is necessary to amend certain provisions for sampling aflatoxins in certain foodstuffs 
to take into account developments in C odex Alimentarius and establishment of 
maximum levels of mycotoxins for new categories of foodstuffs.  
(5) Codex Alimentarius establis hed a sampling plan for peanuts, almonds, hazelnuts and 
pistachios intended for further processing and a sampling plan for almonds, hazelnuts and pistachios "ready-to-eat"
4.  
                                                 
1 OJ L 165, 30.4.2004, p. 1, corrected version in OJ L 191, 28.5.2004, p. 1. 
2 OJ L 364, 20.12.2006, p. 5.  
3  OJ L 70, 9.3.2006, p. 12 
4  Codex General Standard for Contaminants and toxins in foods  (CODEX STAN 193-1995) 
http://www.codexalimentarius.net/ download/standards/17/CXS_193e.pdf   
EN    EN (6) To facilitate the enforcement of the maximu m levels, it is appr opriate to apply the 
sampling provisions as agreed for by Code x Alimentarius for peanuts, almonds, 
hazelnuts and pistachios intended for furthe r processing also to other tree nuts for 
further processing and the sampling provi sions as agreed by Codex for almonds, 
hazelnuts and pistachios "ready-to-eat" to other nuts and peanuts "ready-to-eat".  
(7) Maximum levels have been established fo r aflatoxins in oilseeds other than 
groundnuts and for in liquorice root and liquorice extract. It is appropriate to foresee 
specific sampling provisions for th ese categories of foodstuffs.  
(8) The measures provided for in this Regulati on are in accordance with the opinion of the 
Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Anim al Health and neither the European 
Parliament nor the Council has opposed them. 
HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 
Article 1 
Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 is amended as follows:  
1. The Annex I, part D is replaced by the pr ovisions in Annex I to this Regulation.  
2. The Annex I, part G is replaced by the provisions in Annex II to this Regulation. 
3.  In Annex I, a part K. METHOD OF SAMPLING FOR VEGETABLE OILS, as 
provided for in Annex III to this Regulation, is added.   
 
Article 2 
This Regulation shall ente r into force on the twenti eth day following that of its publication in the 
Official Journal of the European Union.  
It shall apply from 1 February 2010.  
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly appl icable in all Member States. 
Done at Brussels,  
 For the Commission 
 Androulla VASSILIOU  Member of the Commission  
EN 4   EN ANNEX I  
Annex I part D to Regulation (EC) 401/2006 is replaced by the following "D. METHOD OF SAMPLING FOR DRIED FIGS
 
This method of sampling is of application for the official control of the maximum levels 
established for aflatoxin B1 and to tal aflatoxins in dried figs.  
D.1. Weight of th e incremental sample  
 The weight of the incremental sample shall be  about 300 grams, unle ss otherwise defined in 
part D of Annex I.  In the case of lots in retail p ackings, the weight of the incr emental sample depends on the 
weight of the retail packing.  In the case of retail packs of mo re than 300 grams, this will resu lt in aggregate sa mples weighing 
more than 30 kg. If the weight of a single retail pack is much more than 300 gr ams, then 300 
grams shall be taken from each individual retail p ack as an incremental sa mple. This can be done 
either when the sample is taken or in the laboratory. Howeve r, in cases where such method of 
sampling would lead to unacceptable commercial consequences  resulting from damage to the lot 
(because of packaging forms, means of transport, etc.), then an alternative method of sampling 
can be applied. For example, in case where a valuable product is marketed in retail packs of 500 
grams or 1 kg, the aggregate sample can be obt ained by the aggrega tion of a number of 
incremental samples that is smaller than th e number indicated in tables 1, 2 and 3, on the 
condition that the weight of th e aggregate sample corresponds to the required weight of the 
aggregate sample mentioned in tables 1, 2 and 3.  
Where the retail pack is less than 300 grams and if the difference is not very large, one retail 
pack shall be considered as one incremental sample, resulting in an  aggregate sample of less than 
30 kg. If the weight of the retail pack is much less than 300 grams, one incremental sample shall 
consist of two or more retail packs, whereby the 300 grams ar e approximated as closely as 
possible.  D.2. General survey of the method of sampling for dried figs 
 
 Table 1: Subdivision of lots into sublots depending on product and lot weight
 
 
Commodity Lot weight (tonne) Weight or 
number of sublots  N° 
incremental samples Aggregate 
sample weight (kg) 
Dried figs  ≥ 15 
< 15 15-30tonnes 
-- 100 
10-100* 30 
≤ 30 
* Depending on the lot weight - see ta ble 2 of this part of this Annex 
 
D.3. Method of sampling for dried figs (lots ≥ 15 tonnes)  
- On condition that the sublot can be separated physically, each lot shall be subdivided into 
sublots following table 1.  Taking into account that the weight of the lot is not always an exact 
multiple of the weight of the su blots, the weight of the sublot  may exceed the me ntioned weight 
by a maximum of 20 %.  
EN 5   EN - Each sublot shall be sampled separately. 
- Number of incremen tal samples: 100. 
- Weight of the aggregate sample = 30 kg which shall be mixed and to be divided into three 
equal laboratory samples of 10 kg before grinding (this division into three laboratory samples is 
not necessary in case of groundnuts and nuts s ubjected to further sorting or other physical 
treatment and of the avai lability of equipmen t which is able to homoge nise a 30 kg sample).  
- Each laboratory sample of 10 kg shall be se parately ground finely an d mixed thoroughly to 
achieve complete homogenisation, in accordance with the provis ions laid down  in Annex II 
- If it is not possible to carry out the method  of sampling described above because of the 
commercial consequences resulting from damage to  the lot (because of packaging forms, means 
of transport, etc.) an alternative method of sampling may be applied provided that it is as 
representative as possible and is  fully described and documented. 
 D.4. Method of sampling fo r dried figs (lots < 15 tonnes)
 
The number of incremental samp les to be taken depends on th e weight of the lot, with a 
minimum of 10 and a maximum of 100 . 
The figures in the following ta ble 2 may be used to determ ine the number of incremental 
samples to be taken and the subsequent division of the aggregate sample.  Table 2: Number of incremental samples to be  taken depending on the weight of the lot and 
number of subdivisions of the aggregate sample   
Lot weight (tonnes)  N° of incremental 
samples Aggregate sample 
Weight (kg) (in case of retail 
packings, weight of 
aggregate sample can diverge – see point D.1) No of laboratory 
samples from aggregate sample 
≤ 0.1 10 3 1 (no division) 
> 0.1 - ≤ 0.2 15 4.5 1 (no division) 
> 0.2 - ≤ 0.5 20 6 1 (no division) 
> 0.5 - ≤ 1.0 30 9 (- < 12 kg) 1 (no division) 
> 1.0 - ≤ 2.0 40 12 2 
> 2.0 - ≤ 5.0 60 18 (- < 24 kg) 2 
> 5.0 - ≤ 10.0 80 24 3 
> 10.0 - ≤ 15.0 100 30 3  
EN 6   EN - Weight of the aggregate sample ≤30 kg which shall be mixed and divided into two or three 
equal laboratory  samples of ≤10 kg before grinding (this division into two or three laboratory 
samples is not necessary in case  of dried figs, subjected to fu rther sorting or other physical 
treatment and of the avai lability of equipmen t which is able to  homogenise up to 30 kg samples). 
In cases where the aggregate sample weights are less than 30 kg, the aggregate sample shall be 
divided into laboratory samples ac cording to following guidance: 
* < 12 kg: no division into laboratory samples 
* ≥12 - < 24 kg: division in to two laboratory samples 
* ≥24 kg: division into 3 laboratory samples  
 - Each laboratory sample shall be separately ground finely and mixed thoroughly to achieve 
complete homogenisatio n, in accordance with the provis ions laid down in Annex II. 
- If it is not possible to carry out the method  of sampling described above because of the 
unacceptable commercial conseque nces resulting from damage to the lot (because of packaging 
forms, means of transport, etc.) an alternative method of sampling may be  applied provided that 
it is as representative as possible and is fully described and documented.  D.5. Method of sampling for de rived products and compound foods
 
 D.5.1. Derived products with very small particle  weight (homogeneous di stribution of aflatoxin 
contamination)  
 - Number of incremental samples: 100; for lots of under 50 tons the number of incremental 
samples shall be 10 to 100, depending  on the lot weight (see table 3)  
 
Table 3:Number of incremental samples to be taken depending on the weight of the lot 
Lot weight (tonnes)  N° of incremental 
samples Aggregate sample 
weight (kg) 
≤ 1 10 1 
> 1 - ≤ 3 20 2 
> 3 - ≤ 10 40 4 
> 10 - ≤ 20 60 6 
> 20 - ≤ 50 100 10 
- The weight of the incremental sample shall be a bout 100 grams. In the case of lots in retail 
packing, the weight of the incremental sample  depends on the weight of the retail packing. 
- Weight of aggregate sample = 1-10 kg sufficiently mixed  D.5.2. Other derived products with  a relatively large particle size (heterogeneous distribution of 
aflatoxin contamination)  
 Method of sampling and acceptance as for dried figs ((D.3 and D.4)  
   
EN 7   EN D.6. Sampling at  retail stage  
Sampling of foodstuffs at the re tail stage shall be done where po ssible in accordance with the 
provisions set out in this part of Annex I.  
Where that is not possible, othe r 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 documente d. In any case, the aggregate sample shall be 
at least 1 kg
5. 
 D.7. Specific method of samplin g figs and derived products traded in vacuum packs
 
D.7.1 dried figs  
For lots equal to or more than 15 tonnes at least 50 incremental samples resulting in a 30 kg 
aggregate sample shall be taken and for lots of less than 15 tonnes, 50 % of the number of 
incremental samples mentioned in  table 2 shall be taken resulting in an aggregate sample of 
which the weight corresponds to the wei ght of the sampled lot (see table 2). 
D.7.3. Products deri ved from figs with small particle size  
For lots equal to or more than 50 tonnes at least 25 incremental samples resulting in a 10 kg 
aggregate sample shall be taken and for lots  less than 50 tonnes, 25 % of the number of 
incremental samples mentioned in  table 3 shall be taken resulting in an aggregate sample of 
which the weight corresponds to the wei ght of the sampled lot (see table 3)..  
D.8. Acceptance of  a lot or sublot  
- For dried figs subjected to a so rting or other physical treatment: 
- acceptance if the aggregate sample or the averag e of the laboratory samples conforms to the 
maximum limit, taking into account the correctio n for recovery and measurement uncertainty; 
- rejection if the aggregate sample or the average of the laborator y samples exceeds the 
maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt taking into account the correction for recovery and 
measurement uncertainty. 
- For dried figs intended fo r direct human consumption 
- acceptance if none of the laboratory samples ex ceeds the maximum limit, taking into account 
the correction for recovery and measuremen t uncertainty; 
- rejection if one or more of the laborat ory samples exceeds the maximum limit beyond 
reasonable doubt taking into account the correctio n for recovery and measurement uncertainty. 
- In cases where the aggregate sample is 12 kg or less: 
 - acceptance if the laboratory sample confor ms to the maximum limit, taking into 
account the correction for recovery  and measurement uncertainty; 
 - rejection if the laboratory sample ex ceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt 
taking into account the correction for r ecovery and measurement uncertainty;  
                                                 
5 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.   
EN 8   EN  
Dbis. METHOD OF SAMPLING FOR GROUNDNUTS, OTHER OILSEEDS AND 
NUTS  
This method of sampling is of application for the official control of the maximum levels 
established for aflatoxin B1 and total aflat oxins in groundnuts, other oilseeds and nuts.  
Dbis.1. Weight of the incremental sample  
 The weight of the incremental sample shall be  about 200 grams, unle ss otherwise defined in 
part Dbis of Annex I.  In the case of lots in retail p ackings, the weight of the incr emental sample depends on the 
weight of the retail packing.  In the case of retail packs of mo re than 200 grams, this will resu lt in aggregate sa mples weighing 
more than 20 kg. If the weight of a single retail pack is much more than 200 gr ams, then 200 
grams shall be taken from each individual retail p ack as an incremental sa mple. This can be done 
either when the sample is taken or in the laboratory. Howeve r, in cases where such method of 
sampling would lead to unacceptable commercial consequences  resulting from damage to the lot 
(because of packaging forms, means of transport, etc.), then an alternative method of sampling 
can be applied. For example, in case where a valuable product is marketed in retail packs of 500 
grams or 1 kg, the aggregate sample can be obt ained by the aggrega tion of a number of 
incremental samples that is smaller than th e number indicated in tables 1, 2 and 3, on the 
condition that the weight of th e aggregate sample corresponds to the required weight of the 
aggregate sample mentioned in tables 1, 2 and 3.  
Where the retail pack is less than 200 grams and if the difference is not very large, one retail 
pack shall be considered as one incremental sample, resulting in an  aggregate sample of less than 
20 kg. If the weight of the retail pack is much less than 200 grams, one incremental sample shall 
consist of two or more retail packs, whereby the 200 grams ar e approximated as closely as 
possible.    
EN 9   EN Dbis.2. General survey of the method of sampling for groundnuts, other oilseeds and nuts  
 Table 1: Subdivision of lots into sublots depending on product and lot weight
 
 
Commodity Lot weight (tonne) Weight or 
number of sublots  N° 
incremental samples Aggregate 
sample weight (kg) 
Groundnuts, other oilseeds,  and nuts ≥ 500 
>125 and <500 
≥ 15 and ≤ 125 
< 15 100 tonnes 
5 sublots 25 tonnes -- 100 
100 100 10-100* 20 
20 20 
≤ 20 
* Depending on the lot weight - see ta ble 2 of this part of this Annex 
 
Dbis.3. Method of sampling for grou ndnuts, other oilseeds and nuts (lots ≥ 15 tonnes)  
- On condition that the sublot can be separated physically, each lot shall be subdivided into 
sublots following table 1.  Taking into account that the weight of the lot is not always an exact 
multiple of the weight of the su blots, the weight of the sublot  may exceed the me ntioned weight 
by a maximum of 20 %. - Each sublot shall be sampled separately. - Number of incremen tal samples: 100. 
- Weight of the aggregate sample  = 20 kg which shall be mixed a nd to be divided into two equal 
laboratory samples of 10 kg before grinding (t his division into two laboratory samples is not 
necessary in case of groundnuts, other oilseeds and nuts subjected to further sorting or other 
physical treatment and of the availability of eq uipment which is able to homogenise a 20 kg 
sample).  - Each laboratory sample of 10 kg shall be se parately ground finely an d mixed thoroughly to 
achieve complete homogenisation, in accordance with the provis ions laid down  in Annex II 
- If it is not possible to carry out the method  of sampling described above because of the 
commercial consequences resulting from damage to  the lot (because of packaging forms, means 
of transport, etc.) an alternative method of sampling may be applied provided that it is as 
representative as possible and is  fully described and documented. 
 Dbis.4. Method of sampling for groundnuts, other oilseed s and nuts (lots < 15 tonnes)
 
The number of incremental samp les to be taken depends on th e weight of the lot, with a 
minimum of 10 and a maximum of 100 . 
The figures in the following ta ble 2 may be used to determ ine the number of incremental 
samples to be taken and the subsequent division of the aggregate sample.    
EN 10   EN Table 2: Number of incremental samples to be  taken depending on the weight of the lot and 
number of subdivisions of the aggregate sample   
Lot weight (tonnes)  N° of incremental 
samples Aggregate sample 
Weight (kg) (in case of retail packings, weight of aggregate sample can diverge – see point Dbis.1) No of laboratory 
samples from aggregate sample 
≤ 0.1 10 2 1 (no division) 
> 0.1 - ≤ 0.2 15 3 1 (no division) 
> 0.2 - ≤ 0.5 20 4 1 (no division) 
> 0.5 - ≤ 1.0 30 6  1 (no division) 
> 1.0 - ≤ 2.0 40 8 (- < 12 kg) 1 (no division) 
> 2.0 - ≤ 5.0 60 12  2 
> 5.0 - ≤ 10.0 80 16 2 
> 10.0 - ≤ 15.0 100 20 2 
 
- Weight of the aggregate sample ≤20 kg which shall be  mixed and if necessarily divided into 
two equal laboratory samples of ≤10 kg before grinding (this di vision into two laboratory 
samples is not necessary in case of, groundnuts, other oilseeds and nuts subjected to further 
sorting or other physical treat ment and of the availability of  equipment which is able to 
homogenise up to 20 kg samples). 
In cases where the aggregate sample weights are less than 20 kg, the aggregate sample shall be 
divided into laboratory samples ac cording to following guidance: 
* < 12 kg: no division into laboratory samples 
* ≥12 division into two laboratory samples 
 - Each laboratory sample shall be separately ground finely and mixed thoroughly to achieve 
complete homogenisatio n, in accordance with the provis ions laid down in Annex II. 
- If it is not possible to carry out the method  of sampling described above because of the 
unacceptable commercial conseque nces resulting from damage to the lot (because of packaging 
forms, means of transport, etc.) an alternative method of sampling may be  applied provided that 
it is as representative as possible and is fully described and documented.    
EN 11   EN Dbis.5. Method of sampling for derived products,  with the exception of vegetable oil and 
compound foods  
 Dbis.5.1. Other derived products with small partic le size, i.e. flour, peanut butter (homogeneous 
distribution of aflatoxin contamination)  
 - Number of incremental samples: 100; for lots of under 50 tons the number of incremental 
samples shall be 10 to 100, depending  on the lot weight (see table 3)  
 Table 3: Number of incrementa l samples to be taken depending on the weight of the lot 
Lot weight (tonnes)  N° of incremental 
samples Aggregate sample 
weight (kg) 
≤ 1 10 1 
> 1 - ≤ 3 20 2 
> 3 - ≤ 10 40 4 
> 10 - ≤ 20 60 6 
> 20 - ≤ 50 100 10 
- The weight of the incremental sample shall be about 100 grams. In the case of lots in retail 
packing, the weight of the incremental sample  depends on the weight of the retail packing. 
- Weight of aggregate sample = 1-10 kg sufficiently mixed  Dbis.5.2. Other derived products with a relatively large particle size (heterogeneous distribution 
of aflatoxin contamination)  
 Method of sampling and acceptance as for gro undnuts, other oilseeds and nuts ((Dbis.3 and 
Dbis.4)   Dbis.6. Sampling at retail stage
 
Sampling of foodstuffs at the re tail stage shall be done where po ssible in accordance with the 
provisions set out in this part of Annex I.  
Where that is not possible, othe r 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 documente d. In any case, the aggregate sample shall be 
at least 1 kg
6. 
 Dbis.7 . Specific method of sampling for groundnuts, other oils eeds, nuts and derived products 
traded in vacuum packs  
Dbis.7.1.Pistachios, groundnuts, Brazil nuts For lots equal to or more than 15 tonnes at least 50 
incremental samples resulting in a 20 kg aggregate sample shall be taken and for lots of less 
than 15 tonnes, 50 % of the number of incremen tal samples mentioned in table 2 shall be taken 
resulting in an aggregate sample of which the we ight corresponds to the weight of the sampled 
lot (see table 2). 
                                                 
6 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.   
EN 12   EN Dbis.7.2. Nuts other than pistach ios and Brazil nuts, other oilseeds  
For lots equal to or more than 15 tonnes at least 25 incremental samples resulting in a 20 kg 
aggregate sample shall be taken and for lots  less than 15 tonnes, 25 % of the number of 
incremental samples mentioned in  table 2 shall be taken resulting in an aggregate sample of 
which the weight is equal to the weig ht of the sampled lot (see table 2). 
Dbis.7.3. Products derived from nuts a nd groundnuts with small particle size  
For lots equal to or more than 50 tonnes at least 25 incremental samples resulting in a 10 kg 
aggregate sample shall be taken and for lots  less than 50 tonnes, 25 % of the number of 
incremental samples mentioned in  table 3 shall be taken resulting in an aggregate sample of 
which the weight corresponds to the wei ght of the sampled lot (see table 3)..  
Dbis.8. Acceptance of  a lot or sublot  
- For groundnuts, other oilseeds and nuts subjected to a sortin g or other physical treatment: 
- acceptance if the aggregate sample or the averag e of the laboratory samples conforms to the 
maximum limit, taking into account the correctio n for recovery and measurement uncertainty; 
- rejection if the aggregate sample or the average of the laborator y samples exceeds the 
maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt taking into account the correction for recovery and 
measurement uncertainty. 
- For groundnuts, other oils eeds and nuts intended for direct human consumption 
- acceptance if none of the laboratory samples ex ceeds the maximum limit, taking into account 
the correction for recovery and measuremen t uncertainty; 
- rejection if one or both of the laborat ory samples exceeds the maximum limit beyond 
reasonable doubt taking into account the correctio n for recovery and measurement uncertainty. 
- In cases where the aggregate sample is 12 kg or less: 
 - acceptance if the laboratory sample confor ms to the maximum limit, taking into 
account the correction for recovery  and measurement uncertainty; 
 - rejection if the laboratory sample ex ceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt 
taking into account the correction for r ecovery and measurement uncertainty; " 
  
 
   
EN 13   EN ANNEX II  
Annex I part G to Regulation (EC) 401/2006 is replaced by the following: "G. METHOD OF SAMPLING FOR CO FFEE, COFFEE PRODUCTS, LIQUORICE 
ROOT, LIQUORICE EXTRACT  
This method of sampling is of application for the official control of the maximum levels 
established for ochratoxin A in  roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee, soluble coffee, 
liquorice root and liquorice extract  
G.1. Weight of th e incremental sample  
The weight of the incremental sample shall be about 100 grams, unless otherwise defined in this 
part G of Annex I.  
In the case of lots in retail p ackings, the weight of the incremen tal sample shall depend on the 
weight of the retail packing. 
In the case of retail packs of mo re than 100 grams, this will resu lt in aggregate sa mples weighing 
more than 10 kg. If the weight of a single retail pack is much more than 100 gr ams, then 100 
grams shall be taken from each individual retail p ack as an incremental sa mple. This can be done 
either when the sample is taken or in the laboratory. Howeve r, in cases where such method of 
sampling would lead to unacceptable commercial consequences  resulting from damage to the lot 
(because of packaging forms, means of transport, etc.), then an alternative method of sampling 
can be applied. For example, in case where a valuable product is marketed in retail packs of 500 
grams or 1 kg, the aggregate sample can be obt ained by the aggrega tion of a number of 
incremental samples that is smal ler than the number indicated in tables 1 and 2, on the condition 
that the weight of the aggregat e sample corresponds to the required weight of the aggregate 
sample mentioned in tables 1 and 2. 
Where the retail pack is less than 100 grams and if the difference is not very large, one retail 
pack shall be considered as one incremental sample, resulting in an  aggregate sample of less than 
10 kg. If the weight of the retail pack is much less than 100 grams, one incremental sample shall 
consist of two or more retail packs, whereby the 100 grams ar e approximated as closely as 
possible.  
G.2. General survey of the method of sampling for roasted coffee, ground roasted coffee, 
soluble coffee, liquorice r oot and liquorice extract  
Table 1 Subdivision of lots into sublot s depending on product and lot weight 
Commodity Lot weight 
(ton) Weight or 
number of sublots  N° 
incremental samples  Aggregate 
sample Weight (kg)
Roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee,  soluble coffee, liquorice root and liquorice extract  ≥ 15 
<15 15-30 tonnes 
- 100 
10-100* 10 
1-10 
* Depending on the lot weight - see table 2 of this Annex  
EN 14   EN G.3. Method of sampling for roasted coffee b eans, ground roasted coffee, soluble coffee  
liquorice root and li quorice extract (lots ≥ 15 tonnes)  
- On condition that the sublot can be separated physically, each lot shall be subdivided into 
sublots following table 1.  Taking into account that the weight of the lot is not always an exact 
multiple of the weight of the sublots, the wei ght of the sublot may va ry from the mentioned 
weight by a ma ximum of 20 %. 
- Each sublot shall be sampled separately. - Number of incremen tal samples: 100.  
- Weight of the aggr egate sample = 10 kg 
- If it is not possible to carry out the method  of sampling described above because of the 
unacceptable commercial conseque nces resulting from damage to the lot (because of packaging 
forms, means of transport, etc.) an alternative method of sampling may be  applied provided that 
it is as representative as possible and is fully described and documented. 
G.4. Method of sampling for roasted coffee b eans, ground roasted coffee, soluble coffee 
liquorice root and liquorice ex tract (lots < 15 tonnes)  
For roasted coffee beans, ground roasted coffee , soluble coffee, liquorice root and liquorice 
extract under 15 tonnes the sampling plan shall be  used with 10 to 100 incremental samples, 
depending on the lot weight, resulting in an aggregate sample of 1 to 10 kg.  
The figures in the following table can be used to  determine the number of incremental samples 
to be taken. 
Table 2: Number of incremental samples to be taken depending on the weight of the lot of 
roasted coffee beans, ground roas ted coffee, soluble co ffee, liquorice root and liquorice extract. 
Lot weight (tonnes)  N° of incremental 
samples Aggregate sample 
weight (kg) 
≤ 0.1 10 1 
> 0.1 - ≤ 0.2 15 1.5 
> 0.2 - ≤ 0.5 20 2 
> 0.5 - ≤ 1.0 30 3 
> 1.0 - ≤ 2.0 40 4 
> 2.0 - ≤ 5.0 60 6 
> 5.0 - ≤ 10.0 80 8 
> 10.0 - ≤ 15.0 100 10 
  
EN 15   EN G.5 Method of samplin g for roasted coffee be ans, ground roasted co ffee, soluble coffee, 
liquorice root and li quorice extract traded in vacuum packs  
 For lots equal to or more than 15 tonnes at least 25 incremental samples resulting in a 10 kg 
aggregate sample shall be taken and for lots  less than 15 tonnes, 25 % of the number of 
incremental samples mentioned in  table 2 shall be taken resulting in an aggregate sample of 
which the weight corresponds to the wei ght of the sampled lot (see table 2). 
 G. 6. Sampling at retail stage
 
Sampling of foodstuffs at the re tail stage shall be done where po ssible in accordance with the 
sampling provisions set out in this part of Annex I.  
Where that is not possible, an alternative me thod of sampling at reta il 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. In any case, the aggregate sample shall be at least 
1 kg
7. 
 G.7. 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 th e maximum limit beyond re asonable doubt taking 
into account the correction for recove ry and measurement uncertainty."  
                                                 
7 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.   
EN 16   EN  
ANNEX III  
The following part K is added to Annex I to Regulation (EC) 401/2006: "K. METHOD OF SAMPLING VEGETALE OILS 
 
This method of sampling is of application for the official control of the maximum levels 
established for mycotoxins, in particular af latoxin B1, aflatoxin to tal 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 oi l 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 in sofar 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 theref ore sufficient to take three incremental samples 
from a lot to form the aggregate sample. 
 Table 1: Minimum number of incremental samples to be taken from the lot 
Form of commer-
cialisation Weight of lot (in kg) 
Volume of lot (in litres)  Minimum number of 
incremental samples to 
be taken  
Bulk * - 3 
packages ≤ 50  3 
packages > 50 to 500  5 
packages > 500  10 
* On condition that the sublot can be separa ted physically, large bulk consignments/lots of 
vegetable oils shall be subdivided into sublot s as foreseen in table 2 of this part.   
 Table 2: Subdivision of lots into  sublots depending on lot weight 
 
Commodity Lot weight (tonne) Weight or 
number of sublots  Minimum N° 
incremental samples Minimum 
aggregate sample weight (kg) 
Vegetable oils    ≥ 1500 
>300 and <1500 
≥ 50 and ≤ 300 
< 50 500 tonnes 
3 sublots 100 tonnes -- 3 
3 3 3 1 
1 1 1 
  
EN 17   EN K.2. Method of sampling for vegetable oils  
Sampling of foodstuffs at the re tail stage shall be done where po ssible in accordance with the 
provisions set out in this part of Annex I.  
Where that is not possible, othe r 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 documente d. In any case, the aggregate sample shall be 
at least 1 kg
8. 
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 th e maximum limit beyond re asonable doubt taking 
into account the correction for recove ry and measurement uncertainty."  
 
                                                 
8 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.