S.L. 449.32 Art. 10Duties of authorised officer.

(1) The authorised officer, on taking a sample shall:

(a) verbally inform the seller or the responsible person that he intends to submit the sample for analysis or examination;

(b) whenever requested by the seller or the responsible person, at the moment of the taking of the sample, and unless, in the opinion of the authorised officer, division of the quantity taken is not reasonably practicable or would interfere with analysis or examination, shall divide the sample into three approximately equal parts, one part thereof to be handed over to the seller or responsible person, and the two other parts to be retained by the authorised oþcer for analysis or examination;

(c) ensure, as far as is practicable, that sampling and handling is carried out in such a manner as not to cross-contaminate the food sample;

(d) as far as reasonably practicable, leave the lot from which the sample was taken intact and ascertain that no unnecessary damage is done to the lot;

(e) seal the sample taken, or any part thereof, as the case may be, in such a manner that it cannot be opened without breaking the seal which is individually numbered and tamper-proof: Provided that samples need not be sealed individually as long as all samples sealed collectively are to be delivered to the same official laboratory or other place for analysis or examination;

(f) ensure that samples are taken, kept, conveyed, stored and handled under conditions that under normal circumstances would be considered as appropriate.

(2) The provisions of sub-regulation (1) shall not apply to the taking, by an authorised officer, of samples of tap water intended for human consumption from a tap water service provider. Such sampling shall follow the procedures for the taking of tap water samples established by the health authority: Provided that these samples must be sealed before they are submitted for the purpose of analysis or examination.