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SAM-102

Foodstuffs, liquid, high viscosity
Sampling

Goods
Definition This card provides the sampling procedures for high-viscosity liquid foodstuffs in bulk, such as honey, tomato products, sauces, jam, corn and maple syrups, molasses, chocolate syrup, mustard, juices, fruit and vegetable concentrates; animal fats and high-viscosity vegetable oils, lard, margarine, cocoa butter, peanut butter, vegetable-shortening and similar products. The commodities mentioned above may also be considered low-viscosity depending upon their precise nature and/or the temperature.

For low-viscosity liquid foodstuffs see ‘Foodstuffs, liquid, low viscosity’.

For products in individual packs see specific card for ‘Retail packages’.

For dairy products see specific card for ‘Dairy produce’.

Foodstuffs, liquid, high viscosity
Recommended minimum quantity for each sample
  • 0.5 L or 0.5 Kg
EN/ISO standards and regulations specific to foodstuffs, liquid, high viscosity
  • EN ISO 5555: Animal and vegetables fats and oils. Sampling.
  • ISO 11648-1: Statistical aspects of sampling from bulk materials.
  • ISO 11648-2: Statistical aspects of sampling from bulk materials.
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 951/2006 laying down detailed rules for the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 318/2006 as regards trade with third countries in the sugar sector.
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1276/2008 of 17 December 2008 on the monitoring by physical checks of exports of agricultural products receiving refunds or other amounts.

Legislation (technical standards or specifications): please refer to your national legislation and national guidelines regarding sampling.


Equipment needed
Suggested sampling tool depending on the method used
  • Sampling scoop (L04-01)
  • Piston-tube sampler (L05-01)
  • Sampling trowel (S03-01)
  • Spiral sampler (S04-01)
  • Sampler for frozen foods (E01-01)
  • Hand-drill sampler (E02-01)
  • Mixing vessel.
  • Funnel.
  • General tools: knife, ladle, etc.
Copper and copper alloys must not be used.

Containers to be used for the sampling
  • Glass bottles (G01)
  • Metal containers (M01)
  • Plastic bottles, wide opening, size 500–1 000 ml (P03, P04), preferably not transparent.
All containers must be suitable for food including high-acidity products.

Safety precautions and risk assessment Please refer to your national legislation and guidelines on health and safety.

  • You should inspect the product before sampling in order to assess if there are dangerous goods and to give time to collect the necessary MSDS or ADR if available. Under normal conditions foodstuffs do not present particular health hazards.
  • Pay attention to any safety labels.
  • Products of vegetable origin can be infested with agents that are dangerous to human health.
  • Wear protective gloves and safety shoes.
  • Wear a disposable gown and a safety helmet or ear protectors (when necessary).
  • Do not eat, drink or smoke during sampling.
  • You should wear clean clothing to minimise the risk of accidentally contaminating the sample. Always take hygienic measures to avoid contamination. You should wash your hands prior to sampling.
  • You should be aware of and follow any health and safety instructions in the local risk assessment and/or safe working practices for the location where the sampling is to take place.
  • Any working activity that exposes workers to the risk of falling from a height in relation to a stable floor is considered ‘working at a height’. Training must be given and adequate protective equipment supplied. Ladders, steps, platforms and handrails must be kept in structurally safe condition and regularly inspected by competent personnel. If the sampling requires you to enter the space at the top of a tank, at least two people equipped with appropriate personal protection equipment should be present.
  • Generally, these products are low-risk flammable material.

Sampling plan
Type of consignment Description
Consignments for customs clearance The aggregate sample consists of an appropriate number of incremental samples. One sample is usually taken as representing the goods covered by the same customs declaration.
Consignments for CAP (export refunds) or excise control The aggregate sample consists of an appropriate number of incremental samples. The minimum number of incremental samples is described below. If the consignment consists of goods originating from one production line (the lot number is identical) a reduced number of samples may be taken.
Vertical land tanks, Horizontal land tanks, ship-, wagon- or car-tanks in liquid or paste form One or more aggregate sample(s): from at least three conventional points (from the top, the middle and the bottom) in each lot or at set intervals during unloading. If the product is in the form of a creamy paste or hard paste, take at least five incremental samples (one in the middle plus four at midpoints between the centre and the apexes) in each lot. Check the homogeneity of the lot; if its homogeneity is in doubt, take several incremental samples. More aggregate samples may be created from containers containing different products or lots.
Small packages, barrels, drums, cases, tins, bags and bottles One or more aggregate samples: a suitable number of units must be chosen at random or systematically from the consignment. More aggregate samples may be created from containers containing different products or lots.
Bulk being moved with a conveyor or other flowing product during filling or emptying One aggregate sample: from incremental samples throughout the whole diameter of the stream, with intervals determined by the moving speed.
High viscosity liquid foodstuffs in frozen state in barrels and bags One or more aggregate samples: from at least three different points (from the top, the middle and the bottom if possible) in each lot of the consignment. Check the homogeneity of the lot; if its homogeneity is in doubt, take several incremental samples. More aggregate samples may be created from containers containing different products or lots.

Detailed information
Sampling procedure
  • Where the product is transported loose in bulk, the load must be considered as a whole and the samples must be taken from all parts of the load.
  • Samples are taken after loading or before discharging. An all-levels sample, running sample, upper-middle-lower sample, or spot samples at agreed levels may be used for sampling.
  • Do not heat samples.
  • Representative sampling: the sample should be representative of the whole consignment. Incremental samples must be taken throughout the lot or during the whole of the discharge process. The incremental samples must be mixed thoroughly to create the aggregate sample. Ensure that the product being sampled remains unaltered by the sampling process.
  • Taking samples: different methods apply depending on how the high-viscosity liquids are transported or discharged from the transport.
    • For bulk products in the semi-solid state at ambient temperatures, if the product is in the form of a creamy paste, use a borer or sampling cup to take several test pieces at various positions and depths in the mass, to ensure that the sample is as representative as possible. After taking the samples from the mass, prepare the composite sample in the metal bucket by mixing vigorously with the metal spatula and pack the samples in metal cans or drums.
    • If the product is in the form of a hard paste, use a borer to take several samples at various positions and depths in the mass, to ensure that the sample is as representative as possible. After taking the samples from the mass, prepare the composite sample in an appropriate bucket by breaking up and mixing the cores of product with the metal spatula and pack the samples in appropriate containers.
    • For products being moved by conveyor or flowing products during filling or emptying of a tank, tanker truck or reservoir wagon it is possible to take a sample by fitting a filling/emptying pipe. Several samples should be taken at regular intervals throughout the transfer process. After taking the samples, quickly prepare the composite sample in an appropriate metal bucket by mixing vigorously and pack the samples in appropriate containers.
    • For liquid foodstuffs in frozen state in barrels and bags use a stainless steel or corrosion-resistant sampling device e.g. a sampler for frozen foods (E01-01).
Sampling form
  • Fill in the sample form. One copy should be attached to the samples and one copy should be kept for the record.
Transport
  • The samples should be kept in a dry and well-ventilated place. They must be protected against light and odour to prevent contamination, microbiological growth or other situations which would damage the sample.
  • If necessary keep chilled. The cooling chain must be maintained and should be recorded.
  • Frozen goods such as vegetable and fruit concentrates are sent to the laboratory in insulated packaging. Samples of fruit and vegetable juices must be kept frozen up to the laboratory examination. The cooling chain must be maintained and should be recorded.
Storage
  • The samples must be kept in a dry and well-ventilated place. They must be protected against light and odour to prevent contamination, microbiological growth or other situations which would damage the sample.
  • If necessary keep chilled. The cooling chain must be maintained and should be recorded.
  • Frozen products must be stored in a freezer. The cooling chain must be maintained and should be recorded.
  • Samples which will be tested for the moisture content or where the moisture content may affect the analysis must be packed in moisture-tight containers with an air-tight closure. The container should be almost, but not quite, filled and then sealed to prevent any change in the moisture content.

Foodstuff Liquids High viscosity (expand list )
HS number Description


Revisions
Version Date Changes
1.0 12.10.2012 First version
1.0.1 30.03.2019 Update - Recommended minimum quantity for each sample is changed