Identifying - and Eliminating - Ten weak Links in the Sampling Chain

摘要

Being able to sample products during their processing stages -what would quality control be without it? Well, maybe we should rephrase the question: Does it make any sense to put so much emphasis on lab tests for quality control, HACCP and traceability, if the sample we are using is not representative in the first place? Of course not! It would be like using inexpensive diesel fuel for an expensive jet engine; we may be able to document we have a full tank, but it will not take us to our destination. Sampling, too, is a chain of interdependent - and potentially weak - links that need our utmost attention. If not, we will surely jeopardize every subsequent step in our quality controw 1.