Sampling and analysis
Article 4 of the Regulation sets out the sampling and analysis requirements for FBOs. These are further elaborated in Annex III. FBOs, where required, are expected to undertake representative sampling and analysis to monitor the levels of acrylamide in their products as part of their assessment of the mitigation measures.
The Regulation requires FBOs except for those referred to in Article 2(2) to have a sampling plan that:
- is representative of product types they produce. This does not mean that every single product line must be sampled.
- revised at least annually for products that have a well-known and well controlled acrylamide levels.
- is devised on a risk basis and is proportionate, with a focus on foods that are likely to have higher levels of acrylamide and for which further mitigation measures are feasible
- where there are significant changes to a recipe or process that are likely to impact acrylamide levels, representative sampling and analysis should be undertaken
The sampling plan and results should be available to relevant AOs upon request. The information should also include any mitigation steps taken to reduce acrylamide levels where the BMLs have been exceeded.
For businesses covered by Article 2(3), the sampling and analysis plans and results may be made available by the central business rather than each individual outlet/chain.