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Feeding stuffs

• List of Official EU Methods of Analysis

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Sampling & Analysis of Feed

The prescribed procedures for sampling feedingstuffs are set out in Directive 76/371/EEC (pdf 443Kb), which was given effect in our national legislation in the European Communities (Feedingstuffs) (Methods of Sampling and Analysis) Regulations, 1999 (S.I. 289 of 1999) (pdf 225Kb). The official sampling procedure is intended to provide a sample, which is representative of the consignment or lot from which the sample was drawn. The sample is analysed to determine the content of some compositional characteristic or the presence of a contaminant. The analysis result is then compared with a declared level (e.g. crude protein) or a minimum or maximum specification (e.g. additives, moisture, etc.) or in the case of a contaminant a maximum permitted level. In certain circumstances, official tolerances (or limits of error) are prescribed and are taken into account when determining compliance with a declared level.

Over the years various Directives have been adopted setting out prescribed methods of analysis for a range of analytical characteristics in feed. In our national Regulations giving effect to these Directives (S.I. 289 of 1999) (pdf 225Kb) cross-reference is made to the analytical procedures set out in the Directives, rather than transcribing them in the Regulation itself. A list of these EEC methods of analysis is attached (pdf 413Kb). Commission Directive  2003/126/EC (pdf 165Kb) on the analytical method for the determination of constituents of animal origin, transposed into Irish Law by S.I. No 185 of 2004.

EU Directives and Regulations

• First Commission Directive (76/371/EEC) (pdf 443Kb) establishing Community methods of sampling for the official control of feedingstuffs;
• Commission Directive  2003/126/EC (pdf 165Kb) on the analytical method for the determination of constituents of animal origin for the official control of feedingstuffs on the analytical method for the determination of constituents of animal origin for the official control of feedingstuffs.
• List of prescribed methods of analysis for feedingstuffs.

National Legislation

• S.I. No. 412 of 2006 European Communities (Sampling Methods Methods of Analysis for the Official Control the Levels of Certain Contaminants in Foodstuffs) (No. 2) Regulations 2006 (pdf 78Kb)
• European Communities (Feedingstuffs) (Methods of Sampling and Analysis) Regulations, 1999 to 2000 (pdf 225Kb) (S.I. 289 of 1999 & 288 of 2000)
• European Communities (Feedingstuffs) (Methods of Sampling and Analysis) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 SI 185 of 2004 (pdf 15Kb)