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SAM-101

Foodstuffs, liquid, low viscosity
Sampling

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Foodstuffs, liquid, low viscosity
Definition

(list of HS codes covered by this card)		 Low viscosity liquid foodstuffs in bulk, such as beverages, spirits, wine, ketchup, molasses, mustard, soya sauce, sugar syrup, vegetable oils, vinegar, and water. The commodities mentioned above may also be considered high-viscosity depending upon their precise nature and/or the temperature.

This card also covers animal feed products, liquid, low viscosity.

For frozen products see chapter ‘Sampling procedures’.

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

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

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


Foodstuffs, liquid, low viscosity
Recommended minimum quantity for each final sample

 0,5 l or 0,5 kg
Applicable standards (ISO and EU Norms) and relevant legislation
  • EN ISO 707 Milk and milk products — Guidance on sampling.
  • EN ISO 5555 Animal and vegetables fats and oils. Sampling.
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 1989/2003, amending Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91 on the characteristics of olive oil and olive-pomace oil and on the relevant methods of analysis.
  • Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1348/2013 of 16 December 2013 amending Regulation (EEC) No 2568/91 on the characteristics of olive oil and olive-residue oil and on the relevant methods of analysis.
  • Commission Regulation (EC) No 152/2009 of 27 January 2009 laying down the methods of sampling and analysis for the official control of feed.
You should also refer to your national legislation and national guidelines regarding sampling.


Equipment needed
Suggested sampling tool depending on the method used Copper and copper alloys (e.g. brass) must not be used.

Containers to be used for the sampling
  • Glass bottles (G01)
  • Plastic bottles, narrow opening, size 500–1 000 ml (P01); preferably not transparent.
  • Metal containers (M01)
All containers must be suitable for food including high-acidity products.

Safety precautions and risk assessment
  • 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.
  • Pay attention to any safety labels. If you have indications that there are dangerous goods, request the SDS or ADR.
  • See Health and Safety for the ‘Sampling of Food Products’ for detailed advice on hygiene and risks for liquid products.
  • The hygiene of food products must be maintained.
  • Ensure you have clean and appropriate PPE for the circumstances.
  • Flammable liquids such as ethanol create a risk of fire, particularly when the product is moved. Ensure there is no accumulation of static electricity, be aware of flammable vapours. See ‘Health and Safety’.

Sampling plan
Type of consignment Procedure
Consignments for customs clearance One aggregate sample consists of an appropriate number of incremental samples chosen randomly or systematically throughout the consignment. When you are satisfied the consignment is homogeneous, one incremental 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, ships’ tanks, tank wagons or tank cars One aggregate sample from one or more incremental samples taken from different heights depending on the liquid level in the tank and number of tanks chosen randomly or systematically throughout the consignment, see Sampling of liquids, ‘1.1 Sampling from tanks and 1.2 Sampling from ships or barges‘ in the General part.

Check the homogeneity of the lot — if the homogeneity is in doubt, take more incremental samples. More aggregate samples should be created from tanks if containing different products or lots.

An aggregate sample is prepared from incremental samples taken from the same tank. If an aggregate sample is for multiple tanks, it must consist of proportional parts from each tank sampled.

The sample is usually taken from top openings through the hatch or by means of special sampling taps placed at the side of tanks at the correct heights. Cross-sectional sampling can be also used. A vacuum pump may also be used if the depth from which the sample is to be taken does not exceed 4 m.

Samples can be also taken during loading or discharging as the liquid is being moved.

Transport packages, barrels, drums, cases, tins One or more aggregate samples: from incremental samples (one or more depending on the product homogeneity, number of containers) drawn from the middle of each container chosen randomly or systematically throughout the consignment, see Sampling of liquids, ‘1.3 Sampling from barrels, cans, tins and other transport packages‘ in the General part.

An aggregate sample may be formed only from containers from the same lot contained in the same consignment. If there are several lots, they should be identified and sampled separately.

If possible, properly homogenize the content of the container before sampling.

The sampling is performed by using a vacuum pump, various pipette-type samplers or other appropriate samplers.

If a sample is taken from only one container (e.g. barrel), it is poured directly from the sampler into the sample container.

Food liquids being moved One aggregate sample: Where the product is being mechanically moved by gravity, pumps or other equipment, there may be diverter valves at the side of fuel line that allow samples to be drawn at regular intervals determined by the moving speed from the fuel stream, see Sampling of liquids, ‘1.4 Sampling from moving cargo‘ in the General part.


Handling of samples
General comments
  • 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.
  • Continuous automatic sampling is always the preferred method as opposed to manual sampling.
  • Determine whether there is sediment or an emulsion layer or free water at the bottom of the tank by means of a bottom sampler and/or water detectors. It is desirable, as far as possible, to run off free water before sampling, and to measure the amount removed.
  • When possible, take a running sample directly into the sample bottle. This reduces the possibility of air absorption, loss of vapours, and contamination. Just before sampling, rinse the bottle with the product to be sampled. Use pre-cooled bottles in summer months for volatiles (e.g. for ethanol).
  • If a mixing vessel is used, it must be pre-washed with the sampled product. All incremental samples from all sampling spots are collected and after they have been thoroughly mixed, an aggregate sample is created. Use a pre-cooled mixing vessel in summer months for volatiles (e.g. for ethanol).
  • The container should be filled to a maximum of 90 % of its volume, to allow expansion due to heat and then sealed to prevent the loss of moisture. It should be kept out of direct sunlight.
Sampling form
  • Fill in the sampling form. One copy should be attached to the samples and one copy should be kept for the record.
Transport
  • The samples must be protected against light and odour to prevent contamination, microbiological growth or other situations which would damage the sample.
  • If necessary keep cooled. The cooling chain must be maintained and should be recorded.
  • Flammable liquids are a hazardous material the transport of which is governed by ADR rules. Exemptions for dangerous goods packed in limited quantities can be applied. When combination packages are used (consisting of an inner and an outer packaging not liable to break or be easily punctured), it is permitted to transport a maximum of 30 l, of which a maximum of 10 l may be class 1 flammable products e.g. ethanol, see ‘Transport‘ in the General part.
Storage
  • Protect the samples from sources of contamination (odour, liquids, etc.) and contact with other substances.
  • For perishable goods:
    • Keep cooled or refrigerated below 4 °C. The temperature of the cooling chain should be recorded.
    • For longer storage freeze the samples at -18 °C or lower and monitor the temperature during storage.

Foodstuffs, Liquid, Low Viscosity (expand list)
HS Heading Description


Revisions
Version Date Changes
1.0 12.10.2012 First version
1.0.1 30.03.2019 Update - Update - Replace Commission Regulation (EC) No 1883/2006, by new regulation: Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/644 of 5 April 2017
1.1 10.02.2021 New format, addition of animal feed HS Codes and other modifications