CAC/GL 33-1999 Recommended Methods of Sampling for Pesticide Residues for the Determination of Compliance with MRLs
1. OBJECTIVE
The objective of these sampling procedures is to enable a representative sample to be obtained from a lot, for analysis to determine compliance with Codex Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) for pesticides.
2. PRINCIPLES
2.1 Codex MRLs are based on Good Agricultural Practice data and foods derived from commodities that comply with the respective Codex MRLs are intended to be toxicologically acceptable.
2.2 A Codex MRL for a plant, egg or dairy product takes into account the maximum level expected to occur in a composite sample, which has been derived from multiple units of the treated product and which is intended to represent the average residue level in a lot. A Codex MRL for meat and poultry takes into account the maximum level expected to occur in the tissues of individual treated animals or birds.
2.3 In consequence, MRLs for meat and poultry apply to a bulk sample derived from a single primary sample, whereas MRLs for plant products, eggs and dairy products apply to a composite bulk sample derived from 1-10 primary samples.
