Sampler, Sampling Technician

The food sampling specialist is a professional who, using specific techniques, obtains a sample (small amount) of the food product. This sample must have the same physical, chemical, microbiological and organoleptic characteristics as a larger amount of this food (so-called batch), which has usually been transported or produced together. Sampling is carried out to control the production and/or quality of a food or to define it. Therefore, is essential that this sample be an overall reliable representation, since any decision, for example the withdrawal of a product in bad condition or determining that it has been the cause of a food-borne disease, will be made based on the results obtained from this sample.

• This individual is the person responsible for obtaining a representative sample from a food product batch.
• Identify the sample in a reliable manner and with the necessary information (time, place, date, temperature, condition and description).
• Include on the sampling form (hard copy or electronic) the conditions of the place where the sampling has been carried out (temperature, state of the containers, presence of animals or dirt) and the variables specific to the product that will subsequently serve to explain the analysis results.
• Store the sample in optimal conditions until it is taken to the laboratory.
• Ensure that the specific sampling procedure is followed for every product, amount and situation. Usually the laboratories have already defined the procedures according to the standards that are applicable (legislation and/or procedures established by scientific bodies) and often certified. Most are based on the use of statistics.
• Collect the sample with the appropriate instruments and procedures in order to ensure that no characteristic that is essential for the subsequent analysis is distorted.
• Transport the sample to the place where the analysis will be conducted under optimal conditions (whether it is an external company or the laboratory of a food company).
• Is responsible for the sampling material. Is in charge of the cleanliness, proper maintenance, and above all, the correct disinfection of reusable materials.
• Carry out the inventory of consumable materials and place the orders to replenish them.
• Conduct safety procedures in order to calibrate the instruments and ensure the protocols are being followed. Participate in the processes of intercalibration between laboratories.
• Adopt standards to minimise occupational risks.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Indústries de conserves i sucs vegetals (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Indústries de l'oli i greixos comestibles (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Indústries càrnies (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Enotècnia (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Indústries derivades del raïm i del vi (Nivell 3)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Indústries alimentàries: Indústries derivades dels cereals i dels dolços (Nivell 3)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the professional family of Food Industries - Advanced Level: Process and quality in the food industry

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Analytical thought: Level 1

Initiative: Level 2

Concern for order and quality: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 1

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Expert in food safety and quality

Canned Fruits and Vegetables Technician

Welding Technician

Butcher

Oenologist

• Work hours

  Full-time, adapted to the demand of specific sampling jobs or urgent jobs (ex.: investigation into the source of a toxic infection at a company).

• Salary

  From 950 to 1,200 euros (gross)/month.

• Professional category

  Technician