Background
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.
Research Approach
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.