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SAM-103

Foodstuffs, powder
Sampling

Goods
Definition Processed particulate solid foodstuffs, such as skimmed milkpowder, milkpowder, flour or icing sugar. A substance consisting of ground, pulverised, or otherwise finely dispersed solid particles.

See the specific cards for ‘Cheese’ for powdered cheeses.

Foodstuffs, powder
Recommended minimum quantity for each sample Quantity is dependent on the kind of powder. See the specific card for the product in question.
  • Skimmed milk powder: 2 kg
  • Other powders: 0.5 kg
EN/ISO standards specific to foodstuffs, powder
  • EN ISO 707:2008 Milk and milk products — Guidance on sampling.

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
  • Spear-type sampler (S01-01).
  • Zone sampler (S02-01).
  • Sampling trowel (S03-01).
  • Stainless steel spatula.
Containers to be used for the sampling The containers must be made of a material suitable for food conservation and have a capacity of at least 2 kg.
  • Plastic bags, different sizes, with or without pre-printed labels (P00).
  • Plastic bottles, various sizes (P02, P03, P04)
Sample dividing equipment:
  • Device for subdivision in quadrants/cross-divider (Quartering method).
Safety precautions and risk assessment Please refer to your national legislation and guidelines on health and safety.

  • It is imperative that officers wear appropriate respiratory protection as exposure to dust can cause asthma, extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA), rhinitis and conjunctivitis, all of which may become chronic.
  • Officers’ duties must be rotated, keeping exposure to the absolute minimum. Managers must keep a written record to demonstrate the amount of time officers spend at the premises.
  • Products of vegetable origin can be dusty or infested with agents that are dangerous to human health: suitable clothing approved under your national health and safety legislation must be worn, including: gloves; a face shield or respiratory protection; special eyewear or goggles; a helmet; and work footwear.
  • Where possible, before unloading/sampling commences, a preliminary visual inspection of the cargo should be made for signs of insect or vermin infestation and/or signs of fungus or mould. If necessary, additional preventive measures must be taken to prevent the accidental inhalation of dust or spores.
  • Significant amounts of suspended dust particles may be present in the air and static electricity is frequently generated when powders are being moved or stored in large quantities. This can create a fire hazard or an explosive mixture. All equipment used must be intrinsically safe and you must take measures to prevent any sparks or other sources of ignition. Before starting any sampling operation the officer must touch the tank structure at least one metre from any sampling point, to ensure that any static charge that has built up in their body is discharged to earth.
  • Do not take samples from storage structures while they are being filled or emptied unless a purpose-built safe sampling point is available in the discharge apparatus: wait at least half an hour after unloading to allow the electrostatic charge to dissipate entirely.

Sampling plan
Type of consignment Description
Loose in carriages, bulk, tanks or container One aggregate sample: from incremental samples taken at regular intervals as the consignment is removed or at least five conventional points (one in the middle plus four at midpoints between the centre and the apexes at various heights).
Bags, drums One aggregate sample: by random selection from different parts of the consignment, at least three conventional points (one in the middle, one at the top and one at the bottom).

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.
  • 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 recommended minimum quantity for each incremental sample is 1 kg. The incremental samples must be mixed thoroughly to create the aggregate sample. Ensure that the product being sampled remains unaltered by the sampling process. Sampling may be problematic if sucrose crystals form (milk powder); in this case, carry out sampling immediately after mixing. If the product is not homogeneous, note this on the sampling form.
  • Taking samples: it is essential that the equipment to be used is completely dry before the sampling commences. Different methods apply depending on how the powder is transported or discharged.
  • Bulk:
    • Horizontal probes: the probes are inserted into the load with the opening facing the bottom, then rotated 180° and withdrawn slowly in order to provide uniform samples of the whole section. In each lot, the samples must be collected at three heights (upper, middle, and lower levels) and at various points to ensure the aggregate sample is representative.
    • Vertical probes: vertical probes should be inserted with the sampling chamber(s) closed. When the probe has reached the required depth, the chambers should be opened and the probe twisted to ensure the chambers are filled. Close the chambers and withdraw the probe. In each lot, the samples must be taken at various points across the surface and at various depths to ensure the aggregate sample is representative.
  • Bags:
    • Consider the consignment as a whole. For each batch, take a sample at three different heights (top, mid-level and bottom). Take incremental samples (each time the probe is put into the bag) on at least 10 % of the goods, always at random. Insert the probe from the top to the bottom, then tilt it to fill it, and keep it tilted to slide the product into the container that is to collect the whole quantity of the sample. The aggregate sample should consist of all the collected samples put together.
  • Dividing the sample: the size of an aggregate sample may exceed 100 kg. It is therefore necessary to reduce this to obtain the final samples. Please refer to the Sample Division System.
  • Packing the samples: the final samples should be at least 2 kg and should be sealed to prevent the loss of moisture. They should be kept out of direct sunlight.
  • For more information refer to the ISO Standards and EC Regulations in force.
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 at ambient temperature 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.
Storage
  • The samples must be kept at ambient temperature 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.
  • 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 must be filled completely and then sealed to prevent any change in the moisture content.

Foodstuff, powder (expand list )
HS number Description


Revisions
Version Date Changes
1.0 12.10.2012 First version