Overview
EN ISO 5555:2001 (ISO 5555:2001) specifies methods for sampling animal and vegetable fats and oils, whether crude or processed, liquid or solid. The standard defines sampling objectives (consignment, lot, increment, bulk sample, laboratory sample), general principles for representative sampling and apparatus requirements. It also covers sampling from common transport and storage containers-vertical tanks, ships’ tanks, tank wagons/containers, weigh tanks, pipelines and packaged units-and includes guidance on sample preparation, packing, labelling and dispatch.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope and terms: Defines consignment, lot, increment, bulk sample and laboratory sample to ensure consistent sampling terminology.
- Apparatus requirements: Instruments must be chemically inert to fats; stainless steel is preferred. PET meeting food-contact requirements is recommended for plastics. Copper and copper alloys are prohibited; glass is not permitted inside tanks.
- Examples of sampling instruments: weighted sample cans, cage samplers for bottles, valve sampling cylinders (sinker samplers), bottom samplers, sampling tubes and scoops. Annex B provides example figures.
- Sampling technique: Operators must use clean hands or gloves; apparatus and containers must be clean and dry; protect samples from contamination (rain, dust). Remove extraneous material before emptying instruments.
- Heating guidance: If heating is needed to facilitate sampling, avoid overheating-recommendation in the standard is not to raise bulk temperature by more than 5 °C per day. Use low-temperature steam (max 150 kPa gauge / ~128 °C) or hot water coils that are self-draining; prevent steam/water contamination.
- Methods by container type: Detailed procedures for vertical cylindrical land tanks, ships’ tanks, horizontal tanks, tank wagons/cars, weigh tanks, pipelines, and small packages. Special procedure for sampling to determine conventional mass per volume (“litre weight in air”).
- Sample handling: Preparation of laboratory samples from bulk samples, packing, labelling and documentation (sampling report) are specified. Annex A covers applicable temperature limits.
Applications and users
This standard is used for:
- Routine quality control and acceptance testing of edible fats and oils
- Contractual sampling for trade, export/import inspections and dispute resolution
- Laboratory sample preparation to ensure representativeness
- Regulatory compliance and food safety auditing
Primary users:
- Food industry quality managers and laboratory analysts
- Commodity traders, transport and storage operators (tank farms, shipping)
- Standards bodies, inspectors and regulatory agencies
Related standards
- ISO 707 - methods of sampling milk and milk products, including milk fats (separate specification)
- EN ISO 5555:2001 supersedes earlier editions (EN ISO 5555:1995) and was prepared by ISO/TC 34 in collaboration with CEN/TC 307.
Keywords: Animal and vegetable fats and oils, sampling, ISO 5555, EN ISO 5555:2001, sampling instruments, bulk sample, laboratory sample, litre weight in air.
