Sampling Methods and Methods of Analysis for the Official Control of the Levels of Certain Contaminants in Foodstuffs Rules, 2005 (L.N. 97 of 2005)

B 1379 Suppliment tal-Gazzetta tal-Gvern ta’ Malta, Nru. 17,752, 8 ta’ April, 2005 Taqsima B A.L. 97 ta’ l-2005 ATT DWAR IS-SERVIZZI VETERINARJI (KAP. 437) Regoli ta' l-2005 dwar Metodi ta' Te[id ta' Kampjuni u Metodi ta' Anali]i g[all-Kontroll Uffi/jali tal-Livelli ta' /ertu Kontaminanti fl-G[alf BIS-SA{{A tas-setg[a mog[tija bl-artikolu 25 ta' l-Att dwar is Servizzi Veterinarji, il-Ministru ta' l-Affarijiet Rurali u l-Ambjent g[amel dawn ir-regoli li ;ejjin> 1. (1) It-titlu ta' dawn ir-regoli huwa Regoli ta' l-2005 dwar Metodi ta' Te[id ta' Kampjuni u Metodi ta' Anali]i g[all-Kontroll Uffiçjali tal-Livelli ta' /ertu Kontaminanti fl-G[alf. (2) L-iskop ta' dawn ir-regoli hu l-implimentazzjoni tar-regoli mni]]la ta[t id-Direttiva tal-Kunsill ta' l-Unjoni Ewropea 98#53#KE dwar metodi ta' te[id ta' kampjuni u metodi ta' anali]i g[all-kontroll uffi/jali tal-livelli ta' /ertu kontaminanti fl-g[alf. 2. G[all-g[an ta' dawn ir-regoli “l-awtorità kompetenti” tfisser is-Servizzi Veterinarji f'Malta kif pprovdut ta[t l-artikolu 2 ta' l-Att dwar is-Servizzi Veterinarji, jew kull awtorità o[ra meta dik ir-responsabbiltà tkun [iet delegata lilha mis-Servizzi Veterinarji< 3. L-awtorità kompetenti g[andha tie[u l-mi]uri ne/essarji biex ti]gura illi t-te[id ta' kampjuni g[all-kontroll uffi/jali tal-livelli ta' aflatoxins fl-g[alf huwa mag[mul skond il-metodi mni]]la fi Skeda I li tinsab ma' dawn ir-regoli. 4. L-awtorità kompetenti g[andha tie[u l-mi]uri ne/essarji biex ti]gura illi preparazzjoni ta' kampjuni u metodi ta' anali]i u]ati g[all kontroll uffi/jali tal-livelli ta' aflatoxins fl-g[alf huma konformi mal kriterji mni]]la fi Skeda II li tinsab ma' dawn ir-regoli. Titlu u skop. Tifsir. Mi]uri ne/essarji biex ji[i ]gurat it te[id ta' kampjuni g[all-kontroll uffiçjali tal-livelli ta' aflatoxins fl-g[alf. Mi]uri ne/essarji biex ti[i ]gurata preparazzjoni ta' kampjuni u metodi ta' anali]i g[all kontroll uffi/jali tal livelli ta' aflatoxins fl-g[alf. B 1380 SKEDA I Metodi ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni g]all-kontroll uffi`jali tal-livelli ta’ aflatoxins f’`ertu g]alf 1. G]an u Skop Kampjuni ma]suba g]all-kontroll uffi`jali tal-livelli ta’ kontenut ta’ aflatoxin fl-g]alf g]andhom jittie]du skond il-metodi deskritti hawn ta]t. Is-somma kollha ta’ kampjuni hekk miksuba g]andhom ji[u kkunsidrati b]ala rappre\entattivi tal-lottijiet. Konformità mal-livelli massimi mni\\la fir-Regoli tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea 98/1525/KE g]andha tkun stabbilita fuq il-ba\i tal-livelli determinati fil-kampjuni tal laboratorju. 2. Definizzjonijiet Lott: kwantità identifikabbli ta’ kommodità ta’ ikel li jasal f’]in wie]ed u determinat mill-ufficjal b]ala li g]andu karatteristi`i komuni, b]al ori[ini, varjetà, tip ta’ pakkettjar, min jippakkettja, konsenjatur jew marki. Sublott: parti desinjata minn lott akbar sabiex japplika l-metodu ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni fuq dik il-parti desinjata. Kull sublott g]andu jkun fi\ikament separat u identifikabbli. Kampjun inkrimentali: kwantità ta’ materjal me]ud minn minn post wie]ed fil lott jew sublott. Kampjun aggregat: it-total kombinat tal-kampjuni kollha inkrimentali me]uda mil-lott jew sublott. B 1381 Kampjun tal-laboratorju: kampjun ma]sub g]all-laboratorju ( = subkampjun). 3. Disposizzjonijiet [enerali 3.1. Persunal Te]id ta’ kampjuni g]andu jsir minn persuna awtorizzata kif spe`ifikat mill-awtorità kompetenti. 3.2. Materjal li minnu g]andu jittie]ed kampjun Kull lott li g]andu jkun e\aminat g]andu jittie]ed kampjun minnu separatament. Skond id-disposizzjonijiet spe`ifi`i f’punt 5 ta’ din l-Iskeda, lottijiet kbar g]andhom ikunu subdivi\i f’sublottijiet biex minnhom jittie]ed kampjun separatament. 3.3. Prekawzjonijiet li g]andhom jittie]du Matul it-te]id ta’ kampjuni u preparazzjoni ta’ kampjuni tal-laboratorju g]andhom jittie]du prekawzjonijiet biex ikun evitat kull tibdil li jista’ jolqot il-kontenut ta’ l aflatoxin, li jista’ jolqot ]a\in id-determinazzjoni analitika jew li jista’ jag]mel s somma kollha tal-kampjuni wa]da mhux rappre\entattiva. 3.4. Kampjuni inkrimentali Sa fejn hu possibli kampjuni inkrimentali g]andhom jittie]du f’postijiet varji distribwiti matul il-lott jew sublott. Tluq minn din il-pro`edura g]andha tkun re[istrata fir-re[istru mni\\el fi 3.8. 3.5. Preparazzjoni tas-somma kollha ta’ kampjuni u tal-kampjuni tal-laboratorju (subkampjuni) B 1382 Is-somma kollha ta’ kampjuni hija mag]mula billi tg]aqqad u t]allat suffi`jentement il kampjuni inkrimentali. Wara t-ta]lit, is-somma kollha ta’ kampjuni g]andha tkun divi\a f’ammonti ndaqs ta’ subkampjuni skond id-disposizzjonijiet spe`ifi`i ta’ punt 5 ta’ din l-Iskeda. It-ta]lit huwa me]tie[ biex ikun \gurat illi kull subkampjun ikollu porzjonijiet tal-lott kollu jew sublott. 3.6. Kampjuni replikati Il-kampjuni replikati g]all-infurzar, kummer` (difi\a) u g]all-iskop ta’ referee g]andhom jittie]du mill-kampjun omo[eniku tal-laboratorju, kemm il-darba dan ikun f’konflitt mar-regoli fuq it-te]id ta’ kampjuni ta’ l-Istati Membri. 3.7. Pakkettar u trasmissjoni ta’ kampjuni tal-laboratorju Kull kampjun tal-laboratorju g]andu jitqieg]ed f’kontenitur nadif u inert li joffri protezzjoni adegwata minn kontaminazzjoni u kontra ]sara meta jkun fit-transitu. G]andhom jittie]du l-prekawzjonijiet kollha ne`essarji biex ikun evitat tibdil fil kompo\izzjoni fil-kampjun tal-laboratorju li jista’ jinqala matul it-trasport jew il-]a a. 3.8. Si[illar u tikettar tal-kampjuni tal-laboratorju Kull kampjun me]ud g]all-u\u uffi`jali g]andu jkun issi[illat fil-post ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni u identifikat skond ir-regoli ta’ l-Istati Membri. G]andu jin\amm record ta’ kull te]id ta’ kampjuni, li jippermetti kull lott ikun identifikat ming]ajr ambigwità u jag]ti d-data u l-post ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni flimkien ma kull informazzjoni addizzjonali li x’aktarx tkun ta’ assistenza g]all-analista. B 1383 4. Disposizzjonijiet ta’ spjegazzjoni 4.1. Tipi differenti ta’ lottijiet Kommoditajiet ta’ l-ikel jistg]u jitpo[[ew fil-kummer` bl-ingrossa, kontenituri, jew ippakkjar individwali (xkejjer, basktijiet, ippakkjar bl-imnut, et`.). Il-pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni tista’ tkun applikata g]all-forom kollha differenti li fihom il kommoditajiet ikunu mpo[[ija fis-suq. Ming]ajr pre[udizzju g]ad-disposizzjonijiet spe`ifi`i mni\\la f’punt 5 ta’ din l-Iskeda, il-formula li [ejja tista’ tintu\a b]ala gwida g]at-te]id ta’ kampjuni tal-lottijiet fil kummer` f’ippakkjar individwali (xkejjer, basktijiet, ippakkjar bl-imnut, et`.): Frekwenza ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni (SF) = Pi\ tal-lott x pi\ tal-kampjun inkrimentali Pi\ tas-somma kollha tal-kampjuni x pi\ ta’ ippakkjar individwali — Pi\: f’ kilogrammi Frekwenza ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni (SF): kull nth xkora jew basket minn fejn il kampjun inkrimentali g]andu jittie]ed (figuri de`imali g]andhom jittellg]u jew jitni\\lu g]an-numru s]i] l-iktar vi`in). 4.2. Pi\ tal-kampjun inkrimentali Il-pi\ tal-kampjun inkrimentali g]andu jkun ta’ bejn wie]ed u ie]or 300 gramma sakemm mhux definit mod ie]or f’punt 5 ta’ din l-Iskeda u bl-e``ezzjoni ta’ ]wawar f’liema ka\ il-pi\ tal-kampjun inkrimentali huwa bejn wie]ed u ie]or 100 gramma. Fil ka\ ta’ ippakkjar bl-imnut, il-pi\ tal-kampjun inkrimentali jiddependi fuq il-pi\ ta’ l ippakkjar bl-imnut. B 1384 4.3. Numru ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali g]al-lottijiet ta’ anqas minn 15-il tunellata In-numru ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali li g]andhom jittie]du jiddependi fuq il-pi\ tal-lott, b’minimu ta’ 10 u massimu ta’ 100, sakemm mhux definit mod ie]or f’punt 5 ta’ din l Iskeda. Il-figuri fit-tabella li [ejja jistg]u jintu\aw biex ikun determinat in-numru ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali li g]andhom jittie]du. Tabella 1: L-g]add ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali li g]andhom jittie]du jiddependi fuq il-pi\ tal-lott Pi\ tal-lott (tunellati) Numru ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali ≤ 0,1 > 0,1 - ≤ 0,2 > 0,2 - ≤ 0,5 > 0,5 - ≤ 1,0 > 1,0 - ≤ 2,0 > 2,0 - ≤ 5,0 > 5,0 - ≤ 10,0 > 10,0 - ≤ 15,0 10 15 20 30 40 60 80 100 5. Disposizzjonijiet spe`ifi`i 5.1. St]arri[ [enerali tal-pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni g]all-[ew\ ta’ l-art, [ew\, frott niexef, ]wawar u `ereali B 1385 Table 2: Subdivisjoni tal-lottijiet f’sublottijiet jiddependi fuq il-prodott u l-pi\ tal-lott Kommodità Pi\ tal-lott (tunellati) Pi\ jew numru ta’ sublottijiet Numru ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali Is-somma kollha ta’ kampjuni Pi\ (kg) Tin niexef u frott niexef ie]or ≥ 15 < 15 15-30 tunellata — 100 10-100 (1) 30 ≤ 30 {ew\ ta’ l-art, pistakki, {ew\ tal-Brazil u [ew\ o]ra ≥ 500 > 125 u < 500 ≥ 15 u ≤ 125 < 15 100 tunellata 5 sublottijiet 25 tunellata — 100 100 100 10-100 (1) 30 30 30 ≤ 30 ~ereali ≥ 1 500 > 300 u < 1 500 ≥ 50 u ≤ 300 < 50 500 tunellata 3 sublottijiet 100 tunellata — 100 100 100 10-100 (1) 30 30 30 1-10 }wawar ≥ 15 < 15 25 tunellata — 100 10-100 (1) 10 1-10 (1) Dipendenti fuq il-pi\ tal-lott — ara punt 4.3 jew 5.3 ta’ din l-Iskeda. 5.2. {ew\ ta’ l-art, pistakki u [ew\ tal-Brazil Tin niexef ~ereali (lottijiet ≥ 50 tunellati) }wawar 5.2.1. Pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni — Bil-kondizzjoni illi s-sublottijiet jistg]u ikunu separati fi\ikament, kull lott g]andu jkun subdivi\ f’sublottijiet skond Tabella 2 f’punt 5.1. Meta tqis illi l-pi\ B 1386 tal-lott m’huwiex dejjem multiplu e\att tal-pi\ tas-sublottijiet, il-pi\ tas-sublott ma jistax je``edi il-pi\ imsemmi b’massimu ta’ 20 %, — g]andu jittie]ed kampjun minn kull sublott separatament, — g]add ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali: 100. Fil-ka\ ta’ lottijiet ta]t il-15 tunellata, l g]add ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali li g]andhom jittie]du jiddependi fuq il-pi\ tal lott, b’minimu ta’ 10 u massimu ta’ 100 (ara punt 4.3), — pi\ tas-somma kollha tal-kampjun = 30 kg li g]andu jkun im]allat u divi\ fi tlett subkampjuni ugwali ta’ 10 kg qabel jitfarrak (din id-divi\joni fi tliet subkampjuni m’hijiex ne`essarja fil-ka\ ta’ lew\ mit]un, lew\, frott niexef u qam] ma]sub biex jitqieg]ed f’ordni iktar il-quddiem jew trattament fi\iku ie]or, b’danakollu, dan jiddependi fuq id-disposizzjoni ta’ l-apparat li hu kapa`i jomo[eneizza kampjun ta’ 30 kg). Fil-ka\ijiet fejn is-somma kollha tal-pi\ tal-kampjun huma inqas minn 10 kg, is-somma kollha tal-kampjun ma tistax tkun divi\a fi tliet subkampjuni. Fil-ka\ ta’ ]wawar is-somma kollha tal-kampjun ti\en mhux aktar minn 10 kg u g]alhekk l-ebda divisjoni fis-subkampjuni mhi ne`essarja, — kampjun tal-laboratorju: subkampjun ta’ 10 kg (kull subkampjun g]andu jkun imfarrak fin separatament u m]allat sewwa biex jikseb omo[eneizzazzjoni kompluta, skond id-disposizzjonijiet mni\\la fi Skeda II), — jekk mhux possibli li jsir il-metodu ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni deskritt hawn qabel min]abba fil-konsegwenzi kummer`jali li jirri\ultaw mill-]sara tal-lott (min]abba l-forom tal-pakkettjar, mezzi ta’ trasport, et`.) metodu alternattiv ta’ B 1387 te]id ta’ kampjuni jista’ jkun applikat sakemm dak il-metodu huwa rappre\entattiv kemm jista’ jkun u jkunu deskritt kollu u dokumentat. 5.2.2. A``ettazzjoni ta’ lott jew sublott — G]al-lew\ mit]un, lew\, frott niexef u qam] so[[etti g]all-issortjar jew trattament fi\iku ie]or u ]wawar: — a``ettazzjoni jekk is-somma kollha tal-kampjun jew il-medja tas subkampjuni huma konformi mal-limitu massimu, meta tqis il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru, — skartar jekk is-somma kollha tal-kampjun jew il-medja tas-subkampjuni te``edi l-limitu massimu ming]ajr ebda dubju ra[onevoli meta tqis il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru, — g]al-lew\ mit]un, lew\, frott niexef u `ereali ma]suba g]all-konsum dirett tal bniedem u `ereali, bl-e``ezzjoni ta’ qam], li g]andhom ikunu so[[etti g]all issortjar jew trattament fi\iku ie]or: — a``ettazzjoni jekk l-ebda wie]ed mis-subkampjuni je```edi l-limitu massimu, meta tqis il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru, — skartar jekk wie]ed jew aktar mis-subkampjuni je``edi l-limitu massimu ming]ajr ebda dubju ra[onevoli meta tqies il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru, — fejn is-somma kollha tal-kampjun hija i\g]ar minn 10 kg: — a``ettazzjoni jekk is-somma kollha tal-kampjun hija konformi mal-limitu massimu, meta tqis il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru, B 1388 — skartar jekk wie]ed jew aktar mis-subkampjuni je``edi l-limitu massimu ming]ajr ebda dubju ra[onevoli meta tqies l-in`ertezza analitika u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru. 5.3. Lew\ barra lew\ mit]un, pistakki u Brazil nuts Frott niexef li mhux tin ~ereali (lottijiet ta]t 50 tunellata) 5.3.1. Pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni G]al dawn il-prodotti, il-pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni mni\\la f’punt 5.2.1 tista’ tkun applikata. Madankollu, meta tqies l-in`idenza baxxa ta’ kontaminazzjoni g]al dawn il-prodotti u /jew il-forom [odda ta’ pakkettjar f’liema il-prodotti jistg]u jitqieg]du fil-kummer`, metodi ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni iktar sempli`i jistg]u japplikaw. G]al-lottijiet ta’ `ereali ta]t il-50 tunellata, pjan ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni li jikkonsisti minn, u jiddependi mill-pi\ tal-lott, 10 sa 100 kampjuni inkrimentali kull wie]ed ta’ 100 gramma, li jirri\ultaw fis-somma kollha ta’ kampjun ta’ 1 sa 10 kg jistg]u jintu\aw. Il-figuri fit-tabella li [ejja jistg]u jintu\aw biex ikun determinat l-g]add ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali li g]andhom jittie]du. Tabella 3: G]add ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali li g]andhom jittie]du dipendenti fuq il-pi\ tal-lott ta’ `ereali Pi\ tal-lott (tunellati) Numru ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali B 1389 ≤1 > 1 - ≤3 > 3 - ≤10 > 10 - ≤20 > 20 - ≤50 10 20 40 60 100 5.3.2. A``ettazzjoni ta’ lott jew sublott Ara punt 5.2.2. 5.4. }alib 5.4.1. Pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni Te]id ta’ kampjuni skond id-De`i\joni tal-Kummissjoni Ewropea 91/180/KEE tal-14 ta’ Frar 1991 li tni\\el `ertu metodi ta’ anali\i u testijiet ta’ ]alib mhux ma]dum u ]alib trattat bis-s]ana: — g]add ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali: minimu ta’ 5, — pi\ tas-somma kollha tal-kampjun: minimu ta’ 0,5 kg jew litri. 5.4.2. A``ettazzjoni ta’ lott jew sublott — A``ettazzjoni jekk is-somma kollha tal-kampjun hija konformi mal-limitu massimu, meta tqies il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru, — rifjut jekk is-somma tal-kampjun te``edi l-limitu massimu ming]ajr ebda dubju meta tqies il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru. 5.5. Prodotti derivati u ikel kompost 5.5.1. Prodotti tal-]alib 5.5.1.1. Pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni B 1390 Te]id ta’ kampjuni skond id-Direttiva tal-Kummissjoni ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea 87/524/KEE tas-6 ta’ Ottubru, 1987 li tni\\el il-metodi ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni g]all anali\i kemikali g]all-kontroll ta’ prodotti tal-]alib preservati fil-Komunità Ewropea. G]add ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali: minimum 5. G]all-prodotti tal-]alib o]ra metodu ekwivalenti ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni huwa u\at. 5.5.1.2. A``ettazzjoni ta’ lott jew sublott — A``ettazzjoni jekk is-somma kollha tal-kampjun hija konformi mal-limitu massimu, meta tqies il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru, — rifjut jekk is-somma tal-kampjun te``edi l-limitu massimu ming]ajr ebda dubju meta tqies il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru. 5.5.2. Prodotti derivati o]ra bil-pi\ tal-parti`ella \g]ir ]afna, i.e. dqiq, pasta tat-tin, butir tal karawett (distribuzzjoni omo[enika ta’ kontaminazzjoni ta’ aflatoxin). 5.5.2.1. Pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni — G]add ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali: 100. G]al-lottijiet ta]t il-50 tunellata in-numru ta’ kampjuni inkrimentali g]andu jkun ta’ 10 sa 100, jiddependi fuq il-pi\ tal-lott (ara Tabella 3 f’punt 5.3.1 ta’ din l-Iskeda), — il-pi\ tal-kampjun inkrimentali g]andu jkun bejn wie]ed u ie]or 100 gramma. Fil-ka\ ta’ lottijiet f’pakkettar bl-imnut, il-pi\ tal-kampjun inkrimentali jiddependi fuq il-pi\ tal-pakkettar bl-imnut, — pi\ tas-somma kollha tal-kampjun = 1-10 kg im]allta suffi`jentement. 5.5.2.2. G]add ta’ kampjuni li g]andhom jittie]du B 1391 — Is-somma kollha tal-kampjuni li g]andhom jittie]du tiddependi fuq il-pi\ tal-lott. Id-divi\joni ta’ lottijiet kbar f’sublottijiet g]andu jsir kif definit g]a`-`ereali f’Tabella 2 ta]t punt 5.1, — G]andu jittie]ed kampjun kull sublott separatament. 5.5.2.3 A``ettazzjoni ta’ lott jew sublott — A``ettazzjoni jekk is-somma kollha tal-kampjun hija konformi mal-limitu massimu, meta tqies il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru, — rifjut jekk is-somma tal-kampjun te``edi l-limitu massimu ming]ajr ebda dubju meta tqis il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru. 5.6. Prodotti derivati o]ra b’qies tal-parti`elli relattivament kbir (distribuzzjoni etro[enja g]all-kontaminazzjoni ta’ aflatoxin) Pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni u a``ettazzjoni kif definit f’punti 5.2 u 5.3 ta’ din l Iskeda g]all-prodott agrikolu mhux ma]dum. 5.7. Ikel inti\ g]at-tfal u tfal \g]ar 5.7.1. Pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni Il-pro`edura ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni kif imni\\la g]all-]alib u prodotti derivati kif ukoll g]all-ikel kompost f’punti 5.4, 5.5 u 5.6 japplikaw. 5.7.2. A``ettazzjoni ta’ lott — A``ettazzjoni jekk is-somma kollha tal-kampjun hija konformi mal-limitu massimu, meta tqies il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru, — rifjut jekk is-somma tal-kampjun te``edi l-limitu massimu ming]ajr ebda dubju meta tqies il-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza u korrezzjoni g]all-irkupru. B 1392 6. Te]id ta’ kampjuni fl-istadju ta’ l-imnut Te]id ta’ kampjuni ta’ l-g]alf fl-istadju ta’ l-imnut g]andu jsir, fejn possibli, skond id disposizzjonijiet ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni imsemmija hawn fuq. Fejn dan mhux possibli, pro`eduri effettivi o]ra ta’ te]id ta’ kampjuni fl-istadju ta’ l-imnut jistg]u jintu\aw sakemm ji\guraw rapre\enttattiv suffi`enti g]al-lott li minnu jittie]ed kampjun. B 1393 SKEDA II Preparazzjoni tal-kampjun u kriterji g]all-metodi ta’ anali\i u\ati fil-kontroll uffi`jali tal-livelli ta’ aflatoxins f’`ertu g]alf 1. Introduzzjoni 1.1. Prekawzjonijiet G]andu jkun evitat kemm jista’ jkun id-dawl tax-xemx matul il-pro`edura, min]abba li l-aflatoxin jinqasam gradwalment ta]t l-influwenza tad-dawl ta’ ultravjolett. Min]abba li d-distribuzzjoni ta’ aflatoxin hija estremament mhux omo[eneika, kampjuni g]andhom ikunu preparati — u spe`jalment omo[eneizzati — b’kura estrema. Il-materjal kollha ir`evut mil-laboratorju g]andu jintu\a g]all-preparazzjoni tal materjal g]at-test. 1.2. Kalkulazzjoni tal-proporzjon ta’ qoxra/g]adma tal-lew\ s]i] Il-limiti ffissati g]all-aflatoxins fir-Regoli tal-Kummissjoni ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea (EC) Nru 1525/98 japplikaw g]all-parti li tittiekel. Il-livell ta’ aflatoxins fil-parti li tittiekel jista’ jkun determinat kif [ej: — kampjuni tal-qoxra ta’ lew\ ‘fil-qoxra’ u l-livell ta’ aflatoxins huma direttament determinati fil-parti li tittiekel, — omo[enizza l-lew\ ‘fil-qoxra’ billi tg]addihom mill-pro`edura ta’ preparazzjoni tal-kampjun. It-te]id ta’ kampjuni u l-pro`edura analitika g]andha tag]mel estimu tal-pi\ ta’ l-g]adma tal-lew\a fis-somma kollha tal-kampjun. Il-pi\ ta’ l B 1394 g]adma tal-lew\a fis-somma kollha tal-kampjun hija stmata wara li jkun stabbilit fattur adattat g]all-proporzjon tal-qoxra tal-lew\a sal-qoxra tal-lew\a fil-lew\ kollu. Dan il-proporzjon huwa u\at biex ikun a``ertat l-ammont ta’ g]adam fil bi``a l-kbira tal-kampjun me]ud mill-preparazzjoni tal-kampjun u pro`edura ta’ anali\i. Daqs mitt lew\a s]i]a huma me]uda ka\walment separatament mil-lott jew g]andhom jitpo[[ew apparti mis-somma kollha tal-kampjun. G]al kull kampjun tal-laboratorju, ir-rata tista’ tkun miksuba billi jinti\en il-lew\ kollu, jitqaxxar u jer[a’ jinti\en il-proporzjon tal-qoxra u ta’ l-g]adam. Madankollu, il proporzjon tal-qoxra g]all-g]adam jista’ jkun stabbilit mill-laboratorju minn g]add ta’ kampjuni u g]alhekk jistg]u ikunu hekk u\ati g]al xog]ol futur analitiku. Imma jekk kampjun tal-laboratorju partikolari huwa misjub li jkun f’kontravenzjoni ma’ xi limitu, il-proporzjon g]al dak il-kampjun g]andu jkun determinat bl-u\u ta’ daqs mitt lew\a li kienu [ew im]ollija apparti. 2. Trattament tal-kampjun kif ri`evut fil-laboratorju Kisser fin u ]awwad sewwa kull kampjun tal-laboratorju bl-u\u ta’ pro`ess illi [ie demostrat li jwassal g]all-omo[eneita kompluta. Fil-ka\ li l-livell massimu japplika g]all-materja niexfa, il-kontenut tal-materja niexfa g]andu jkun determinat fuq parti tal-kampjun omo[eneizzat, bl-u\u ta’ pro`edura illi tkun [iet murija li tiddetermina b’mod pre`i\ il-kontenut tal-materja niexfa. 3. Subdivi\joni ta’ kampjuni g]all-infurzar u skopijiet ta’ difi\a B 1395 Il-kampjuni replikati g]all-infurzar, kummer` (difi\a) u skopijiet ta’ riferenza g]andhom jittie]du minn materjal omo[eneizzat sakemm ma jmurx kontra r-regoli fuq te]id ta’ kampjuni ta’ l-Istati Membri. 4. Metodu ta’ anali\i li g]andu jintu\a mill-laboratorju u rekwi\iti g]all-kontroll tal- laboratorju 4.1. Tifsiriet G]add ta’ l-aktar tifsiriet komuni li l-laboratorju jkun me]tie[ li ju\a huma mni\\la hawn ta]t: Il-parametri ta’ pre`i\joni l-aktar komuni kwotati huma repetizzjoni u riprodu`ibilità. r = repetizzjoni, il-valur ta]t xhiex id-differenza assoluta bejn \ew[ testijiet singulari miksuba ta]t kondizzjonijiet ta’ repetizzjoni (i.e. l-istess kampjun, l-istess operatur, l-istess apparat, l-istess laboratorju, u l-]in qasir ta’ l intervall) jistg]u ikunu preti\i li qeg]din fi probabbiltà spe`ifika (tipikament 95 %) u g]alhekk r = 2,8 × sr sr = Devjazzjoni standard, kalkolata mir-ri\ultati [enerati ta]t il kondizzjonijiet ta’ repetizzjoni RSDr = devjazzjoni relattiva standard, kalkolata mir-ri\ultati [enerati ta]t kondizzjonijiet ta’ repetizzjoni [(S r/x) × 100], fejn x hija l-medja tar ri\ultati mil-laboratorji kollha u kampjuni R = riprodu`ibilità, il-valur ta]t xhiex id-differenza assoluta bejn \ew[ testijiet singulari miksub ta]t kondizzjonijiet ta’ riprodu`ibilita’ (i.e. fuq B 1396 materjal identiku ottenut minn operaturi f’laboratorji differenti, bl-u\u tat test standardizzat) g]andu jkun preti\ li jkun f’`ertu probabbilità (tipikament 95 %); R = 2,8 sR sR = devjazzjoni standard, kalkolata mir-ri\ultati ta]t il-kondizzjonijiet ta’ riprodu`ibilità RSDR = devjazzjoni relattiva standard mir-ri\ultati [enerati ta]t il-kondizzjonijiet ta’ riprodu`ibilità [(S R/x) × 100] 4.2. Rekwi\iti [enerali Metodi g]all-anali\i u\ati g]all-iskop ta’ kontroll ta’ l-ikel g]andhom ikunu konformi, fejn possibli, mad-disposizzjonijiet ta’ punti 1 u 2 ta’ l-Anness tad-Direttiva tal-Kunsill ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea 85/591/KEE. 4.3. Rekwi\iti spe`ifi`i Fejn ma hemmx metodi spe`ifi`i g]ad-determinazzjoni tal-livelli ta’ aflatoxin fl-g]alf preskritti fil-livell tal-Komunità Ewropea, il-laboratorji jistg]u jag]\lu kull metodu sakemm il-metodu mag]\ul jil]aq il-kriterji li [ejjin: Kriterju Sensiela ta’ kon`entrazzjonijiet Valur rakommandat Valur massimu permess Vojta Kollha Negli[ibli Rkupru — Aflatoxin M1 0,01-0,05 µg/kg >0,05 µg/kg 60 sa 120 % 70 sa 110 % Rkupru — Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 < 1,0 µg/kg 1-10 µg/kg >10 µg/kg 50 sa 120 % 70 sa 110 % 80 to 110 % Pre`i\joni RSDR Kollha Kif derivat mill- 2 × valur derivat B 1397 ekwazzjoni Horwitz mill-ekwazzjoni Horwitz Pre`i\jini RSDr tista’ tkun kalkolata b]ala 0,66 darbiet tal-pre`i\joni RSDR fil-kon`entrazzjoi ta’ interess. Noti: — Valuri g]andhom japplikaw kemm g]al B1 u s-somma ta’ B1+ B2+ G1+ G2, — jekk is-somma individwali ta’ aflatoxins B1+ B2+ G1+ G2 g]andhom ikunu raportati, ir-rispons ta’ kull sistema analitika g]andha jew tkun mag]rufa jew ekwivalenti, — il-limiti ta’ detenzjoni u\ati m’humiex imni\\la b]ala l-valuri ta’ pre`i\joni huma mog]tija fil-kon`entrazzjonijiet ta’ interess, — il-valuri ta’ pre`i\joni huma kalkolati mill-ekwazzjoni Horwitz, i. e.: RSDR = 2 (1 0,5 logC) fejn: — RSDR hija d-devjazzjoni standard relattiva kalkolata mir-ri\ultati [enerati ta]t il-kondizzjonijiet ta’ riprodu`ibilità [(SR/x) × 100] — C hija r-rata ta’ kon`entrazzjoni (i.e. 1 = 100 g/100 g, 0,001 = 1 000 mg/kg). Din hija ekwazzjoni [enerali ta’ pre`i\joni illi [iet misjuba b]ala indipendenti mill analit u l-matri`i i\da dipenedenti biss fuq kon`entrazzjoni g]all-metodi ta’ anali\i l aktar ta’ rutina. 4.4. Kalkulazzjoni ta’ rkupru u rappurtar tar-ri\ultati Ir-ri\ultat analitiku g]andu jkun rraportat korrettament jew mhux korettament g]all irkupru. Il-mod ta’ rapurta[[ u l-livell ta’ rkupru g]andhom ikunu rapportati. Ir-ri\ultat B 1398 analitiku g]all-irkupru kkore[ut huwa u\at g]all-konformità ta’ l-i``ekjar (ara Skeda I, punti 5.2.2, 5.3.2, 5.4.2, 5.5.1.2 u 5.5.2.3). Ir-ri\ultat analitiku g]andu jkun rapportat b]ala x +/- U fejn x huwa r-ri\ultat analitiku u U hija l-mi\ura ta’ in`ertezza esti\a, bl-u\u ta’ fattur ta’ kopertura ta’ 2 li tag]ti livell ta’ a``ertament ta’ approssimazzjoni ta’ 95 %. 4.5. Standards ta’ kwalita’ tal-laboratorji Il-laboratorji g]andhom ikunu konformi mad-Direttiva tal-Kunsill ta’ l-Unjoni Ewropea 93/99/KEE. B 1399 L.N. 97 of 2005 VETERINARY SERVICES ACT (CAP. 437) Sampling Methods and Methods of Analysis for the Official Control of the Levels for Certain Contaminants in Foodstuffs Rules, 2005 IN exercise of the powers conferred by article 25 of the Veterinary Services Act, the Minister for Rural Affairs and the Environment has made the following rules> 1. (1) The title to these rules is the Sampling Methods and Methods of Analysis for the Official Control of the Levels for Certain Contaminants in Foodstuffs Rules, 2005. (2) The scope of these rules is to implement the rules found under European Union Council Directive 98#53#EC establishing methods of analysis for the official control of feedingstuffs. 2. For the purposes of these rules “the competent authority” means the Veterinary Services within Malta as provided under article 2 of the Veterinary Services Act, or any other authority to which such responsibility has been delegated by the Veterinary Services. 3. The competent authority shall take all measures necessary to ensure that the sampling for the official control of the levels of aflatoxins in foodstuffs is carried out in accordance with the methods described in Schedule I to these rules. 4. The competent authority shall take all measures necessary to ensure that sample preparation and methods of analyses used for the official control of the levels of aflatoxins in foodstuffs comply with the criteria described in Schedule II to these rules. Title and scope. Definitions. Necessary measures to ensure sampling for the official control of the levels of aflatoxins in foodstuffs. Necessary measures to ensure sample preparation and methods of analyses used for the official control of the levels of aflatoxins in foodstuffs. B 1400 SCHEDULE I Methods of sampling for official checking control of the levels of aflatoxins in certain foodstuffs 1. Purpose and scope Samples intended for official checking of the levels of aflatoxin content in foodstuffs shall be taken according to the methods described below. Aggregate samples thus obtained shall be considered as representative of the lots. Compliance with maximum limits laid down in European Commission Regulation 98/1525/EC shall be established on the basis of the levels determined in the laboratory samples. 2. Definitions Lot: an identifiable quantity of a food commodity delivered at one time and determined by the official to have common characteristics, such as origin, variety, type of packing, packer, consignor or markings. Sublot: designated part of a large lot in order to apply the sampling method on that designated part. Each sublot must be physically separate and identifiable. Incremental sample: a quantity of material taken from a single place in the lot or sublot. Aggregate sample: the combined total of all the incremental samples taken from the lot or sublot. Laboratory sample: sample intended for the laboratory ( = subsample). 3. General provisions 3.1. Personnel Sampling shall be performed by an authorised person as specified by the competent authority. B 1401 3.2. Material to be sampled Each lot which is to be examined must be sampled separately. In accordance with the specific provisions in point 5 of this Schedule, large lots should be subdivided into sublots to be sampled separately. 3.3. Precautions to be taken In the course of sampling and preparation of the laboratory samples, precautions must be taken to avoid any changes which would affect the aflatoxin content, adversely affect the analytical determination or make the aggregate samples unrepresentative. 3.4. Incremental samples As far as possible incremental samples should be taken at various places distributed throughout the lot or sublot. Departure from this procedure must be recorded in the record provided for in 3.8. 3.5. Preparation of the aggregate sample and the laboratory samples (subsamples) The aggregate sample is made up by uniting and sufficiently mixing the incremental samples. After mixing, the aggregate sample must be divided into equal subsamples in accordance with the specific provisions of point 5 of this Schedule. The mixing is necessary to ensure that each subsample contains Portions of the whole lot or sublot. 3.6. Replicate samples The replicate samples for enforcement, trade (defence) and referee purposes are to be taken from the homogenised laboratory sample, unless this conflicts with Member States' rules on sampling. 3.7. Packaging and transmission of laboratory samples Each laboratory sample shall be placed in a clean, inert container offering adequate protection from contamination and against damage in transit. All necessary precautions shall be taken to avoid any change in composition of the laboratory sample which might arise during transportation or storage. 3.8. Sealing and labelling of laboratory samples B 1402 Each sample taken for official use shall be sealed at the place of sampling and identified following the Member State's regulations. A record must be kept of each sampling, permitting each lot to be identified unambiguously and giving the date and place of sampling together with any additional information likely to be of assistance to the analyst. 4. Explanatory provisions 4.1. Different types of lots Food commodities may be traded in bulk, containers, or individual packings (sacks, bags, retail packings, etc.). The sampling procedure can be applied to all the different forms in which the commodities are put on the market. Without prejudice to the specific provisions as laid down in point 5 of this Schedule, the following formula can be used as a guide for the sampling of lots traded in individual packings (sacks, bags, retail packings, etc.): Sampling frequency (SF) = Weight of the lot x weight of the incremental sample Weight of the aggregate sample x weight of individual packing — Weight: in kg Sampling frequency (SF): every nth sack or bag from which an incremental sample must be taken (decimal figures should be rounded to the nearest whole number). 4.2. Weight of the incremental sample The weight of the incremental sample should be about 300 grams unless otherwise defined in point 5 of this Schedule and with the exception of spices in which case the weight of the incremental sample is about 100 grams. In the case of retail packings, the weight of the incremental sample depends on the weight of the retail packing. 4.3. Number of incremental samples for lots of less than 15 tonnes The number of incremental samples to be taken depends on the weight of the lot, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 100, unless otherwise defined in B 1403 point 5 of this Schedule. The figures in the following table may be used to determine the number of incremental samples to be taken. Table 1: Number of incremental samples to be taken depending on the weight of the lot Lot weight (tonnes) No of incremental samples ≤ 0,1 > 0,1 - ≤ 0,2 > 0,2 - ≤ 0,5 > 0,5 - ≤ 1,0 > 1,0 - ≤ 2,0 > 2,0 - ≤ 5,0 > 5,0 - ≤ 10,0 > 10,0 - ≤ 15,0 10 15 20 30 40 60 80 100 5. Specific provisions 5.1. General survey of the sampling procedure for groundnuts, nuts, dried fruit, spices and cereals Table 2: Subdivision of lots into sublots depending on product and lot weight Commodity Lot weight (tonnes) Weight or number of sublots Number of incremental samples Aggregate sample Weight (kg) Dried figs and other dried fruit ≥ 15 < 15 15-30 tonnes — 100 10-100 (1) 30 ≤ 30 Groundnuts, pistachios, Brazil nuts and other ≥ 500 > 125 and < 500 ≥ 15 and ≤ 125 100 tonnes 5 sublots 25 tonnes 100 100 100 30 30 30 B 1404 nuts < 15 — 10-100 (1) ≤ 30 Cereals ≥ 1 500 > 300 and < 1 500 ≥ 50 and ≤ 300 < 50 500 tonnes 3 sublots 100 tonnes — 100 100 100 10-100 (1) 30 30 30 1-10 Spices ≥ 15 < 15 25 tonnes — 100 10-100 (1) 10 1-10 (1) Depending on the lot weight — see point 4.3 or 5.3 of this Schedule. 5.2. Groundnuts, pistachios and Brazil nuts Dried figs Cereals (lots ≥ 50 tonnes) Spices 5.2.1. Sampling procedure — On condition that the sublot can be separated physically, each lot must be subdivided into sublots following Table 2 at point 5.1. Taking into account that the weight of the lot is not always an exact multiple of the weight of the sublots, the weight of the sublot may exceed the mentioned weight by a maximum of 20 %, — each sublot must be sampled separately, — number of incremental samples: 100. In the case of lots under 15 tonnes, the number of incremental samples to be taken depends on the weight of the lot, with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 100 (see point 4.3), — weight of the aggregate sample = 30 kg which has to be mixed and to be divided into three equal subsamples of 10 kg before grinding (this division into three subsamples is not necessary in the case of groundnuts, nuts, dried fruit and maize intended for further sorting or other physical treatment, however, this will depend upon the availability of equipment which is able to homogenise a 30 kg sample). In cases where the aggregate sample weights are under 10 kg, the aggregate sample must not be divided into three subsamples. In the case of spices the aggregate sample weighs not more than 10 kg and therefore no division in subsamples is necessary, B 1405 — laboratory sample: a subsample of 10 kg (each subsample must be separately ground finely and mixed thoroughly to achieve complete homogenisation, in accordance with the provisions laid down in Schedule 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. 5.2.2. Acceptance of a lot or sublot — For groundnuts, nuts, dried fruit and maize subjected to a sorting or other physical treatment and spices: — acceptance if the aggregate sample or the average of the subsamples conforms to the maximum limit, taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery, — rejection if the aggregate sample or the average of the subsamples exceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery, — for groundnuts, nuts, dried fruit and cereals intended for direct human consumption and cereals, with the exception of maize, to be subjected to a sorting or other physical treatment: — acceptance if none of the subsamples exceeds the maximum limit, taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery, — rejection if one or more of the subsamples exceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery, — where the aggregate sample is under 10 kg: — acceptance if the aggregate sample conforms to the maximum limit, taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery, B 1406 — rejection if the aggregate sample exceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt taking into account analytical uncertainty and correction for recovery. 5.3. Nuts other than groundnuts, pistachios and Brazil nuts Dried fruit other than figs Cereals (lots under 50 tonnes) 5.3.1. Sampling procedure For these products, the sampling procedure laid down in point 5.2.1 may be applied. However, taking into account the low incidence of contamination for these products and/or the newer forms of packaging in which products can be traded, simpler sampling methods may be applied. For cereal lots under 50 tonnes, a sampling plan consisting of, depending on the lot weight, 10 to 100 incremental samples each of 100 grams, resulting in an aggregate sample of 1 to 10 kg may be used. The figures in the following table can be used to determine the number of incremental samples to be taken. Table 3: Number of incremental samples to be taken depending on the weight of the lot of cereals Lot weight (tonnes) Number of incremental samples ≤1 > 1 - ≤3 > 3 - ≤10 > 10 - ≤20 > 20 - ≤50 10 20 40 60 100 5.3.2. Acceptance of a lot or sublot See point 5.2.2. 5.4. Milk 5.4.1. Sampling procedure B 1407 Sampling in accordance with European Union Commission Decision 91/180/EEC of 14 February 1991 laying down certain methods of analysis and testing of raw milk and heat-treated milk: — number of incremental samples: minimum 5, — weight of aggregate sample: minimum 0,5 kg or litres. 5.4.2. Acceptance of a lot or sublot — Acceptance if the aggregate sample conforms to the maximum limit, taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery, — rejection if the aggregate sample exceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery. 5.5. Derived products and compound foods 5.5.1. Milk products 5.5.1.1. Sampling procedure Sampling in accordance with European Union Commission Directive 87/524/EEC of 6 October 1987 laying down European Community methods of sampling for chemical analysis for the monitoring of preserved milk products. Number of incremental samples: minimum 5. For the other milk products an equivalent method of sampling is used. 5.5.1.2. Acceptance of a lot or sublot — Acceptance if the aggregate sample conforms to the maximum limit, taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery, — rejection if the aggregate sample exceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery. 5.5.2. Other derived products with very small particle weight, i.e. flour, fig paste, peanut butter (homogeneous distribution of aflatoxin contamination). 5.5.2.1. Sampling procedure B 1408 — Number of incremental samples: 100. For lots of under 50 tonnes the number of incremental samples should be 10 to 100, depending on the lot weight (see Table 3 at point 5.3.1 of this Schedule), — the weight of the incremental sample should 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. 5.5.2.2. Number of samples to be taken — The number of aggregate samples to be taken depends on the lot weight. The division of large lots into sublots must be done as defined for cereals in Table 2 under point 5.1, — each sublot must be sampled separately. 5.5.2.3 Acceptance of a lot or sublot — Acceptance if the aggregate sample conforms to the maximum limit, taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery, — rejection if the aggregate sample exceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery. 5.6. Other derived products with a relatively large particle size (heterogeneous distribution of aflatoxin contamination) Sampling procedure and acceptance as defined at points 5.2 and 5.3 of This Schedule for the raw agricultural product. 5.7. Foods intended for infants and young children 5.7.1. Sampling procedure The sampling procedure as mentioned for milk and derived products as well as for compound food in points 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6 applies. 5.7.2. Acceptance of a lot — Acceptance if the aggregate sample conforms to the maximum limit, taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery, B 1409 — Rejection if the aggregate sample exceeds the maximum limit beyond reasonable doubt, taking into account the measurement uncertainty and correction for recovery. 6. Sampling at retail stage Sampling of foodstuffs at the retail stage should be done where possible in accordance with the above sampling provisions. Where this is not possible, other effective sampling procedures at retail stage can be used provided that they ensure sufficient representativeness for the sampled lot. B 1410 SCHEDULE II Sample preparation and criteria for methods of analysis used in official checking of the levels of aflatoxins in certain foodstuffs 1. Introduction 1.1. Precautions Daylight should be excluded as much as possible during the procedure, since aflatoxin gradually breaks down under the influence of ultra-violet light. As the distribution of aflatoxin is extremely non-homogeneous, samples should be prepared — and especially homogenised — with extreme care. All the material received by the laboratory is to be used for the preparation of test material. 1.2. Calculation of proportion of shell/kernel of whole nuts The limits fixed for aflatoxins in European Union Commission Regulation (EC) No 1525/98 apply to the edible part. The level of aflatoxins in the edible part can be determined by: — shelling samples of nuts ‘in shell’ and the level of aflatoxins is directly determined in the edible part, — homogenise the nuts ‘in shell’ by taking them through the sample preparation procedure. The sampling and analytical procedure must estimate the weight of nut kernel in the aggregate sample. The weight of nut kernel in the aggregate sample is estimated after establishing a suitable factor for the proportion of nut shell to nut kernel in whole nuts. This proportion is used to ascertain the amount of kernel in the bulk sample taken through the sample preparation and analysis procedure. Approximately 100 whole nuts are taken at random separately from the lot or are to be put aside from each aggregate sample. The ratio may, for each laboratory sample, be obtained by weighing the whole nuts, shelling and re-weighing the shell and kernel portions. However, the proportion of shell to kernel may be established by the laboratory from a number of samples B 1411 and so can be assumed for future analytical work. But if a particular laboratory sample is found to be in contravention of any limit, the proportion should be determined for that sample using the approximately 100 nuts that have been set aside. 2. Treatment of the sample as received in the laboratory Finely grind and thoroughly mix each laboratory sample using a process that has been demonstrated to achieve complete homogenisation. In case the maximum level applies to the dry matter, the dry matter content shall be determined on a part of the homogenised sample, using a procedure that hasbeen demonstrated to determine accurately the dry matter content. 3. Subdivision of samples for enforcement and defence purposes The replicate samples for enforcement, trade (defence) and referee purposes shall be taken from the homogenised material unless this conflicts with Member States' rules on sampling. 4. Method of analysis to be used by the laboratory and laboratory control requirements 4.1. Definitions A number of the most commonly used definitions that the laboratory will be required to use are given below: The most commonly quoted precision parameters are repeatability and reproducibility. r = repeatability, the value below which the absolute difference between two single test results obtained under repeatability conditions (i. e. same sample, same operator, same apparatus, same laboratory, and short interval of time) may be expected to lie within a specific probability (typically 95 %) and hence r = 2,8 × sr sr = Standard deviation, calculated from results generated under repeatability conditions B 1412 RSDr = relative standard deviation, calculated from results generated under repeatability conditions [(S r/x) × 100], where x is the average of results over all laboratories and samples R = reproducibility, the value below which the absolute difference between single test results obtained under reproducibility conditions (i. e. on identical material obtained by operators in different laboratories, using the standardised test method) may be expected to lie within a certain probability (typically 95 %); R = 2,8 sR sR = standard deviation, calculated from results under reproducibility conditions RSDR = relative standard deviation calculated from results generated under reproducibility conditions [(S R/x) × 100] 4.2. General requirements Methods of analysis used for food control purposes must comply whenever possible with the provisions of points 1 and 2 of the Annex to European Union Council Directive 85/591/EEC. 4.3. Specific requirements Where no specific methods for the determination of aflatoxin levels in foodstuffs are prescribed at European Community level, laboratories may select any method provided the selected method meets the following criteria: Criterion Concentration range Recommended value Maximum permitted value Blanks All Negligible Recovery — Aflatoxin M1 0,01-0,05 µg/kg >0,05 µg/kg 60 to 120 % 70 to 110 % Recovery — Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2 < 1,0 µg/kg 1-10 µg/kg >10 µg/kg 50 to 120 % 70 to 110 % 80 to 110 % Precision RSDR All As derived from Horwitz equation 2 × value derived from Horwitz equation Precision RSDr may be calculated as 0,66 times precision RSDR at the concentration of interest. B 1413 Notes: — Values to apply to both B1 and sum of B1+ B2+ G1+ G2, — if sum of individual aflatoxins B1+ B2+ G1+ G2 are to be reported, then response of each to the analytical system must be either known or equivalent, — the detection limits of the methods used are not stated as the precision values are given at the concentrations of interest, — the precision values are calculated from the Horwitz equation, i. e.: RSDR = 2 (1-0,5 logC) where: — RSDR is the relative standard deviation calculated from results generated under reproducibility conditions [(SR/x) × 100] — C is the concentration ratio (i. e. 1 = 100 g/100 g, 0,001 = 1 000 mg/kg). This is a generalised precision equation which has been found to be independent of analyte and matrix but solely dependent on concentration for most routine methods of analysis. 4.4. Recovery calculation and reporting of results The analytical result is to be reported corrected or uncorrected for recovery. The manner of reporting and the level of recovery must be reported. The analytical result corrected for recovery is used for checking compliance (see Schedule I, points 5.2.2, 5.3.2, 5.4.2, 5.5.1.2 and 5.5.2.3). The analytical result has to be reported as x +/- U whereby x is the analytical result and U is the expanded measurement uncertainty, using a coverage factor of 2 which gives a level of confidence of approximately 95 %. 4.5. Laboratory quality standards Laboratories must comply with European Council Directive 93/99/EEC. B 1414 Ippubblikat mid-Dipartiment ta’ l-Informazzjoni (doi.gov.mt) Valletta - Published by the Department of Information - (doi.gov.mt) - Valletta Mitbug] fl-Istamperija tal-Gvern - Printed at the Government Printing Press Prezz 72` - Price 72c