These principles are intended to assist governments in the establishment and use of sampling and testing procedures for determining, on a scientific basis, whether foods in international trade are in compliance with particular specifications. Compliance with these principles will also assist in avoiding potential disputes. The explanatory notes are intended: • to explain the principles and their use in sampling and testing procedures; and • to help governments and other interested parties to understand the principles and to establish and use sampling and testing procedures to assess whether foods in international trade comply with specifications.