amending Regulation (EC) No 333/2007 as regards the sampling requirements for fish and terrestrial animals

(1) Commission Regulation (EC) No 333/2007 (2) lays down the methods of sampling and analysis to be used for the control of the levels of trace elements and processing contaminants in foodstuffs.

(2) In Part B of the Annex to Regulation (EC) No 333/2007 specific provisions for the sampling of large fish arriving in large lots are established and pursuant to those the middle part of such fish is to be sampled. As this may have in some cases a high impact on the product, alternative sampling requirements need to be provided for, in order to allow also sampling at the head or the tail. Furthermore, uniform requirements need to be set on the part of the fish to be sampled, depending on different size of the fish, as such requirements ensure a better comparability of analytical results throughout the Union

(3) In relation to the amended sampling requirements for fish, also the definition of ‘lot’ should be amended and a definition of ‘comparable size or weight’ should be provided.

HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: