Ministerial Decree implementing Commission Directive 98/53/EC laying down the sampling methods and the methods of analysis for the official control of the levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs.

Sampling and analysis methods intended for official control of the levels of aflatoxins and other contaminants in foodstuffs are hereby approved, in compliance with Commission Directive 98/53/EC. The Ministerial Decree consists of one article and two Annexes. Annex I lays down methods of sampling for official checks on the levels of aflatoxins in certain foodstuffs (such as pistachios, Brazil nuts, dried fig and other dried fruit, cereals, milk and milk products). This Annex concerns in particular material to be sampled, precautions to be taken, packaging and transmission of laboratory samples, sealing and labelling of laboratory samples. Annex II regards sample preparation and sets out criteria for methods of analysis used in official checking of the levels of aflatoxins in certain foodstuffs.