Sampling Programme - Testing Schemes in Northern Ireland

Samples are taken by officials on behalf of the Food Standards Agency (FSA-NI) or the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD). Samples are individually packaged and identified, and the container sealed and locked during transport to the Chemical Surveillance Branch’s laboratories.

Sample transportation


  • Sealed, insulated boxes
    Courier collection
    Every meat plant
    Every day

  • Seal must be intact


Samples are collected for a number of testing schemes. These include:
Related links: