- Options when aflatoxin exceeds limit
What are the applicants options if a composite sample aflatoxin test result exceeds 20 parts per billion (e.g., 69 ppb)?
Answer: The applicant can request a reinspection, appeal, and Board Appeal on the sample.
- Aflatoxin sample size
The applicant has requested “average composite” analysis of all factors, including aflatoxin. What is the required aflatoxin sample size for each container?
Answer: The same as trucklot samples – 2 pounds.
- Do not average aflatoxin results that exceed 20 ppb with those that don’t
The applicant has requested “average composite” analysis of all factors, including aflatoxin. If an individual result exceeds 20 ppb can it be combined and averaged with other results under 20 ppb?
Answer: No. Any result exceeding 20 ppb cannot be averaged with results not exceeding 20 ppb. In addition, any result exceeding 20 ppb must be reported to the local FDA office.
- If an Average Composite may not include containers that exceed contract or FDA limits, can an average composite include a vomitoxin result of 1.1 ppm if the contract limit is 1.0 ppm?
Answer: It depends if the contract or load order specifies an average or maximum. If the load order or contract specifies an average of 1.0 ppm, then yes, a result of 1.1 ppm is acceptable to combine for the average. If the contract specifies a maximum of 1.0 ppm, then no, any result over 1.0 ppm may not be combined with results of 1.0 ppm or less. FDA limits may never be exceeded and combined to form a composite or combined lot (e.g., 22 ppb on Aflatoxin may never be averaged with 18 ppb to get 20 ppb).