Assessment of the Contribution of Sampling to Total Measurement Uncertainty Estimations

Codex Alimentarius has only considered the uncertainty of analytical measurement for improving reliability of compliance decisions in food. The sampling uncertainty is now recognised as often a larger source of uncertainty and there is less knowledge currently available in this area.

<P> The bulk of the project is concerned with experimental assessments of sampling uncertainty in a range of foodstuffs. This will be supplemented by review of the literature, in order to assemble a database of sampling uncertainty contributions, and will be completed by an examination of the accumulated data to identify any trends or groupings which might simplify regulation or control.