Residue Testing

Sample collection and analysis

At the grain-handling establishments, samples are collected by personnel using NRS-specified protocols and procedures, and using sampling equipment supplied by NRS. Export grain is sampled at terminals as ships are loaded. Each sample is collected, usually using automatic sampling equipment, as bulk grain is moved. Samples of wheat due to be milled (and the products derived from this process) are collected from domestic flourmills on randomly selected dates. Milled flour and bran samples are derived from sampled wheat so that the results provide information on the relative concentration of residues in each fraction. Grain is also sampled on delivery to domestic end users such as stockfeed manufacturers, maltsters, feedlots, oilseed processors and processors of oats for human consumption.

Horticultural products are sampled and collected by third-party agents at aggregation points such as packing sheds and markets. A component of the apple and pear project involves direct sampling at packing sheds.

Grain and horticulture samples are boxed and freighted overnight directly to the appropriate laboratory. Two laboratories may conduct the various grain and horticulture analyses. The first laboratory is responsible for sample registration and forwarding samples to the other laboratory, if necessary.

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