Guidelines for sampling of grain for insect pests. Outcomes and options relating to infestation. 1.0 Introduction Practices for dealing with possible or known infestation of cargoes differs between countries and depends on a number of factors. In some locations it is considered normal practice to treat grain prior to or at time of shipment to control any infestation, whether or not infestation has been detected. This may take the form of the application of a prophylactic insecticide spray treatment or by fumigation. In other countries grain is not routinely treated unless it is a requirement of the parties in a contract. Treatment (whether or not infestation is present or detected in a consignment) ‐ culminating in the issuance of a Certificate ‐ may be a contractual requirement and/or a requirement for payment under a letter of credit. 2.0 Where a phytosanitary certificate is required this may be undertaken as a separate operation by the official authorities in the country, alternatively in some countries this may be done under licence by superintendents on behalf of the official authorities. Sampling and examination of goods for phytosanitary purposes or for the specific purpose of the inspection of goods for infestation must be regarded as a separate function usually requiring a dedicated inspector. Suitable equipment and appropriate facilities are also required to do this effectively. 3.0 The incidence of cargoes arriving at discharge port with evidence of live infestation varies considerably from crop year to crop year and is subject to influence by a variety of conditions; eg cleanliness of stores and transport, local weather conditions, effective Reprinted 1st April 2012 1 conditioning of crops prior to delivery etc. Warm, damp growing and harvesting conditions are more conducive to infestations. 4.0 If live infestation is found in the samples examined, it must be reported to the principal to enable corrective action to be taken. It should be emphasized that visual inspections can establish the presence of live insects but will not reveal the presence of eggs or larvae which may be present. Therefore it follows that the appointed superintendent is not able to offer any guarantees with regard to possible later detection of live infestation (eg at discharge) because the life cycle and conditions of the voyage may accelerate active infestation. 5.0 Research¹ has established that infestation of goods is only likely to be noted by normal sampling and visual methods if the level of actual infestation in the goods exceeds 5 insects per kilo of grain. Therefore insects may be present in goods and escape visual detection unless higher concentrations exist. Where insects exist inside the kernel it is likely that sampling and sieving in accordance with GAFTA Rules will not reveal this infestation. 6.0 It is unlikely that a GAFTA Approved Superintendent will be in a position to certify that cargoes are free from infestation² even if they are satisfied that effective treatment of the goods has taken place. If visual inspection reveals no apparent infestation certificates may be issued with qualified statements, for example that the samples examined were “visually inspected and no infestation was detected”, or “the samples are believed to be substantially free from live insects….”. Where precise wording for certificates is required for contractual purposes, principals in a contract are advised to discuss such requirement with their appointed superintending company in advance of loading operations as requirements may conflict with standard reporting practice and Terms and Conditions of Business. ¹United Kingdom Home Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA) Report No. 34 ²Freedom from infestation is defined in the FAO Guidelines for Phytosanitary Certificates as: “…without pests (or a specific pest) in numbers or quantities that can be detected by the application of phytosanitary procedures”. Reprinted 1st April 2012 2 7.0 Certificates. Under normal circumstances superintendents issue certificates confirming the weight and quality parameters of the cargo/consignment without reference to infestation. If infestation is found a superintendent is unlikely to issue a “clean certificate” and will immediately advise its principals that live infestation has been found. 7.1 If a statement regarding the absence of live infestation is required it is made purely on the basis of the samples drawn and visually inspected at the time of loading and is limited to the time of inspection. 7.2 For grain treated at loading the method of treatment can be stated on a certificate and (if no live infestation is found) a statement may be made that on the assumption that the treatment is expected to be effective, that the cargo can be considered free from infestation within the limits of the effectiveness of the treatment. 8.0 Injurious and Non‐injurious insects. If an infestation is detected in a cargo the superintendent should attempt to identify if the insects found are harmful (injurious) or non‐harmful (non‐injurious). Where identification is not certain a superintendent should seek instruction regarding establishing a definitive identification. Reprinted 1st April 2012 3