sampling plan
Description:
A systematic way of planning the number and type of samples required for an investigation
Context:
In food safety, a sampling plan is a strategy that tells inspectors how, when, and where to take samples of food, feed, or ingredients to check for hazards like contaminants, pathogens, or residues. It helps ensure that the samples represent the whole batch or food chain, so the results are reliable for assessing safety.
EFSA uses sampling plans to support risk assessments and provide guidance to EU Member States. By analysing data from properly collected samples, EFSA can estimate consumer exposure, detect trends, and help regulators make decisions on food safety measures, compliance with legal limits, and control programs.