United States Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Grain Inspection Service

Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Distribution: FGIS, OSP, Industry Originating Office: FMD PPMAB

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employer.

INSPECTION OF CONFECTIONARY SUNFLOWER SEED

Contents

INSPECTION OF CONFECTIONARY SUNFLOWER SEED ������������������������������������������������1

1. PURPOSE����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

2. REPLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

3. GENERAL INFORMATION���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

4. HOW TO REPORT FACTOR PERCENTAGES��������������������������������������������������������������������

5. STANDARD ABBREVIATIONS ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

6. HOW FACTORS ARE DETERMINED ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������

7. DEFINITION OF CONFECTIONARY SUNFLOWER SEED ������������������������������������������������

8. INSECT INFESTATION ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

9. HEATING SEED�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

10. ODOR���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

11. ANIMAL FILTH, GLASS, AND UNKNOWN FOREIGN SUBSTANCES������������������������������

12. TEST WEIGHT�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

13. MOISTURE�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

14. DOCKAGE �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

15. ADMIXTURE ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

16. PURITY ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

17. DEHULLED SEED������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

18. DAMAGED SEED�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

19. SEED SIZING�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

20. SCLEROTINIA������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

21. DARK ROAST ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

22. CERTIFICATION ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

23. QUESTIONS ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 2

1. PURPOSE

This directive establishes procedures for the factor analysis of confectionary sunflower 

seeds under the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946, as amended (AMA)

2. REPLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS

This directive is revised to specify that any moisture meter listed as approved in 

the Moisture Handbook can be used to determine moisture content. This directive

supersedes FGIS Program Directive 9180.51, dated 5/01/1

3. GENERAL INFORMATION

There are no classes, subclasses, or grades in confectionary sunflower seed. Inspection 

of confectionary sunflower seed is on a factor-only basis. Factors analyzed are kind 

of grain, test weight, moisture, dockage, admixture, purity, de-hulled seed, damaged 

kernels (total), heat-damaged kernels, damaged-by-heat kernels, insect-damaged 

kernels, mold-damaged kernels, other-damaged kernels, seed size, sclerotinia, odor, 

heating, infestation, animal filth, glass, dark roast kernels, and unknown foreign 

substances

4. HOW TO REPORT FACTOR PERCENTAGES

Except for test weight, seed size, and purity, record all percentages in whole and onetenth percent to the nearest one-tenth percent. Record test weight in whole and one-half 

pounds, disregarding fractions of a half-pound. Record seed size in whole percentages, 

disregarding fractions of a percent. Record the percentage of purity to one-hundredth of 

a percent without rounding.

5. STANDARD ABBREVIATIONS

Use the following abbreviations in the analysis of confectionary sunflower seed:

Confectionary sunflower seed CSF

Damaged kernels (total) DKT

Dockage (total) DKG

Heat-damaged kernels HT

Infestation INF

Moisture M

Odor Odor

Heating HTG

Admixture ADM

Dehulled seed DH

Test weight TW

Dark roast DARK

Sclerotinia SCT

Purity PUR

Insect-damaged kernels IDK

Seed size SIZE

Animal filth ANFL

Broken glass GLAS

Unknown foreign substance FSUB

Mold-damaged kernels MDK

Musty MUST

Sour SOUR

Damaged-by-heat kernels DHK

Other damaged kernels ODK

Commercially objectionable 

foreign odor COFO
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 3

6. HOW FACTORS ARE DETERMINED

Table No. 1 - Basis of Determination

Before Removing

Dockage

After Removing

Mechanically Separated

Dockage

After Removing

All Dockage (total)

Moisture

Admixture

Kind of grain

Infestation

Purity

Odor

Dockage

Animal filth

Glass

Unknown foreign substances

Test weight

Dehulled seed

Sclerotinia

Seed size

Odor

Dark roast

Insect-damaged kernels 

Damaged kernels (total)

Heat-damaged kernels

Mold-damaged kernels

Damaged-by-heat kernels

Other damaged kernels

Odor

7. DEFINITION OF CONFECTIONARY SUNFLOWER SEED

Confectionary sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus L.) consists of 50.0 percent o

more of whole confectionary sunflower seed before removing dockage.

Except for the definition of admixture (refer to section 14), a hull does not constitute a 

confectionary sunflower seed.

A confectionary sunflower seed can be either the hull and kernel (the size of either is 

irrelevant as long as they are connected), or just the kernel

Confectionary sunflower seed is grown for non-oil purposes and includes samples of 

lots comprised of mixtures of confectionary and oil type seeds or pure oil type seeds, 

provided that the sample or the lot is presented for inspection as sunflower seed to be 

marketed for non-oil purposes.

Basis of Determination. A visual appraisal of the sample is sufficient to determine if it 

meets the definition of confectionary sunflower seed. However, if analysis is necessary, 

make the determination before removing dockage on a portion of approximately 60 

grams

The following definitions apply when identifying confectionary sunflower seed:

a. Hull (husk) is the ovary wall of the confectionary sunflower seed

b. Kernel (meat) is the interior contents of the confectionary sunflower seed that are

surrounded by the hull

c. Whole seed includes seeds and broken seeds with kernels. Seeds that do not

contain kernels are not considered as whole confectionary sunflower seeds.
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 4

8. INSECT INFESTATION

Infestation refers to confectionary sunflower seed that is infested with live weevils or 

other live insects injurious to stored grain according to procedures in Federal Grain 

Inspection Service (FGIS) instructions

The presence of any live weevil or other live insect injurious to stored grain indicates the 

probability of infestation and warns you to carefully examine the confectionary sunflower 

seed to determine if it is infested. In such cases, examine the work sample and the file 

sample before reaching a conclusion as to whether the confectionary sunflower seed is 

infested. Do not examine the file sample if the work portion is insect-free.

Live weevils include rice weevils, granary weevils, cowpea weevils, and lesser grain 

borers. Other live insects injurious to stored grain include grain beetles, sunflower 

moths, banded sunflower moths, Indian meal moths, grain moths, vetch bruchids, 

and larvae. (See Grain Inspection Handbook, Book I, Chapter 1, General Information,

Section 1.2, Visual Grading Aids

Larvae of the red or gray sunflower seed weevil (Smicronyz spp.) are small, 

white, legless grubs approximately 1/8 inch in size. They chew out from inside the 

confectionary sunflower seed and cannot reinfest the seed in storage. Consequently, 

lots containing sunflower seed weevil larvae are not considered infested. Sunflower 

seed weevil larvae are considered to be foreign material.

Basis of Determination. Determine infestation on the lot as a whole and/or sample 

as a whole (1-1/8 to 1-1/4 quarts or an equivalent number of grams). For specific 

guidelines, see Table No. 2 and the Grain Inspection Handbook, Book I, Grain

Sampling

Table No. 2 - Insect Infestation

Samples meeting or exceeding any one of these tolerances are infested:

2 lw, or 1 lw + 5 oli, or 10 oli

I. 1,000-Gram Representative Sample 1

(+ file sample if needed)

- Submitted Samples

- Probed Lots

- D/T Sampled Landcarriers

II. Lot as a Whole (Stationary

- Probed Lots (at time of sampling)

III. Online Sample (In-Motion) 2/

- Railcars Under Cu-Sum

- Subsamples for Sacked Grain Lots

- Components for Bargelots 3/

- Components for Shiplots 3/

1

 Examine work portion and file sample if necessary. Do not examine file sample if work portion is insect free.

2

 Minimum sampling rate is 500 grams per 2,000 bushels. 

 Minimum component size is 10,000 bushels.

Key: lw = live weevil Oli = other live insects injurious to stored grain

Certification. When applicable, record the word “infested” on the work record and the 

certificate.
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 5

9. HEATING SEED

Seed developing a high temperature from excessive respiration is considered heating. 

Heating seed in its final states usually produces a sour or musty odor. Do not confuse 

seed that is heating with seed that is warm and moist because of storage in bins, 

railcars, or other containers during hot weather.

Basis of Determination. Determine heating on evidence obtained at the time of

sampling

Certification. When applicable record the word “heating” on the work record and 

certificate.

10. ODOR

Basis of Determination. Determine odor on evidence at the time of sampling, on

the sample either before or after removing dockage. Show on the work record odors 

detected at the time of sampling. However, make the final determination for odor in the 

laboratory

Table No. 3 - Odor Classification Examples

Sour Musty Commercially Objectionable

Foreign Odors

Boot

Fermenting

Insect (acrid)

Pigpen

Smoke *

Ground

Insect

Moldy

Animal hides

Decaying animal and vegetable matter

Fertilizer

Fumigant

Insecticide

Oil products

Skunk

Smoke (evidence of fire- burnt material)

Strong weed

* Consider smoke odors as sour unless there is evidence of fire-burnt material.

Commercially Objectionable Foreign Odors are odors entirely foreign to confectionary 

sunflower seed that render it unfit for normal commercial usage.

Fumigant or insecticide odors are considered commercially objectionable foreign odors 

if the odors linger and do not dissipate

When a sample of confectionary sunflower seed contains a fumigant or insecticide odor 

that prevents a determination as to whether any other odor(s) exists, apply the following 

guidelines:

a. Original Inspections. Allow the work portion to aerate in an open container for

4 hours, or less, if the odor dissipates in less time
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 6

b. Reinspections, Appeal, and Board Appeal Inspections. Allow unworked file

samples and new samples to aerate in an open container for 4 hours, or less, if the 

odor dissipates in less time. The 4 hour aeration requirement does not apply when 

the original work portion was aerated and retained as the final file.

Consider the sample as having a commercially objectionable foreign odor if the 

fumigant or insecticide odor persists based on the above criteria

Certification. Record the words “Musty,” “Sour,” or “Commercially Objectionable 

Foreign Odor” on the work record and the certificate.

11. ANIMAL FILTH, GLASS, AND UNKNOWN FOREIGN SUBSTANCES

Basis of Determination. Determine animal filth, glass, and unknown foreign 

substances on the basis of the sample as a whole (1-1/8 to 1-1/4 quarts).

Certification. Record the number of pieces of animal filth, glass, and unknown foreign 

substances on the work record and the certificate.

12. TEST WEIGHT

Test weight is the weight per Winchester bushel (2,150.42 cubic inches) as determined 

using an approved device according to procedures prescribed in FGIS instructions

The procedure for performing test weight is in the Grain Inspection Handbook, Book II, 

Chapter 1, Section 1.1

Basis of Determination. Determine test weight on a representative portion of sufficient 

quantity to overflow the kettle after removing the mechanically separated dockage.

Certification. Record the test weight on the work record and the certificate in whole and 

one-half pounds. Disregard fractions of less than one half-pound.

13. MOISTURE

Moisture is the water content of confectionary sunflower seed as determined by 

approved moisture instruments listed in the Moisture Handbook using the approved 

calibration (see FGIS Directive 9180.61

Basis of Determination. Determine moisture before the removal of dockage on a

portion of approximately 400 grams.

Note: If confectionary sunflower seed has undergone rapid drying of the hull 

surface, the moisture may be lower than the true moisture content. As a result, 

equilibration time is required for moisture in the internal part of the seed to 

diffuse to the hull surface. Equilibration can be accomplished by placing the seed 

in a sealed jar for at least 4 hours and preferably up to 24 hours.

Certification. Record the percentage of moisture on the work record and the certificate 

to the nearest one-tenth percent.
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 7

14. DOCKAGE

All material other than whole confectionary sunflower seeds containing kernels that you 

can remove by using an approved device and by handpicking a portion of the sample

Basis of Determination. Determine dockage on a representative portion of approximatel

1-1/8 to 1-1/4 quarts cut from the original sample.

Procedure. Determine dockage in two steps: Mechanically separated and handpicked.

STEP 1. Determine Mechanically Separated Dockage using Carter Dockage Teste

When running samples through the Carter Dockage Tester, insert the appropriate sieves 

and set the air and the feed controls to the proper position

Note that the Carter Dockage Tester must be at zero energy anytime you insert or 

remove sieves.

Confectionary Sunflower Seed

Air Feed Riddle Top Middle Bottom

5-1/2 1 7-1/2 --- 3 2 --- 10/64”

round hole 3

1

 Set the air control at a setting of approximately 5-1/2. You may need to adjust the air 

setting to assure the removal of blank seeds. When you use a 14/64-inch round-hole 

sieve in the top sieve carriage, you may find a feed of 8-1/2 to 9 is more appropriate.

2

 Upon request, use a 14/64-inch round-hole sieve in the top sieve carriage (note on 

the work record and the certificate that a 14/64-inch round-hole sieve was used in 

determining dockage)

3

 Upon request, use a 12/64-inch round-hole sieve in the bottom sieve carriage (note 

on the work record and the certificate that a 12/64-inch round-hole sieve was used in 

determining dockage). When you use a 14/64-inch round-hole sieve in the top sieve 

carriage, do not place any sieve in the bottom sieve carriage

Note: Mechanically separated dockage consists of:

a. Material removed by aspiration (air collection pan

b. Material that passed through the 10/64-inch round-hole sieve (bottom collection pan)
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 8

STEP 2. Determine Handpicked Dockag

The material that passed over the Number 3 sieve and the 10/64-inch round-hole sieve 

is combined to form the mechanically separated dockage-free work sample (this is the 

cleaned sample)

a. Cut down the cleaned sample to a portion of approximately 60 grams.

b. Handpick the 60-gram portion for all matter other than whole confectionary 

sunflower seeds.

Total dockage is all mechanically separated dockage and handpicked dockage.

How to Compute Dockage. Compute the percentage of total dockage as follows:

a. (Weight of mechanically separated dockage ÷ original sample weight) x 100 = 

percent of mechanically separated dockage

b. (100 percent - percent of mechanically separated dockage) ÷ 100 = 

change of base factor

c. (Weight of handpicked dockage ÷ weight of handpicked portion) x 100 = 

percent of handpicked dockage

d. Percent of handpicked dockage x change of base factor = 

adjusted percentage of handpicked dockage

e. Percent of mechanically separated dockage + adjusted percentage of handpicked

dockage = percent of dockage (total)

Example for Computing Dockage:

Original sample weight 1 650.00 gram

Weight of mechanically separated dockage 50.00 gram

Weight of handpicked portion 75.20 gram

Weight of handpicked dockage 0.45 gram

a. (50.0 grams ÷ 650 grams) x 100 = 7.69% mechanically separated dockage

b. (100% - 7.69%) ÷ 100 = 0.92 change of base factor

c. (0.45 grams ÷ 75.2) x 100 = 0.59% handpicked dockage

d. 0.59 x 0.92 = 0.54% adjusted percentage of handpicked dockage

e. 7.69% + 0.54% = 8.23% dockage (total)

Certification. Record the percentage of dockage (total) on the work record and the 

certificate to the nearest one-tenth percent.

 

1 Original sample weight may vary depending on seed size. Use 1-1/8 to 1-1/4 quarts.
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 9

15. ADMIXTURE

Admixture consists of all material other than confectionary sunflower seed that you can 

remove from a test portion by handsieving and handpicking. Consider empty hulls and

parts of seed as confectionary sunflower seed. 

The major difference between admixture and dockage is that hulls and pieces of hulls 

are not included in admixture. Consequently, the percentage of admixture is lower than 

the percentage of dockage

Basis of Determination. Determine admixture on a portion of approximately 60 grams 

cut from the original sample (before removing dockage). 

Procedure. Determine admixture as follows:

STEP 1. Place the 60-gram portion on the upper edge of a 5/64-inch sieve 

(inscribed circle; equilateral triangular perforations). 1

STEP 2. Hold the sieve at a 10 to 20 degree angle and gently work the material down

over the sieve with a side-to-side motion.

STEP 3. After sieving, handpick all material other than sunflower seed from the 

material remaining on top of the hand sieve and add it to the material that 

passed through the hand sieve

Note: Admixture consists of all material which passed through the hand sieve and 

all material other than confectionary sunflower seed handpicked from the material 

remaining on top of the hand sieve.

Certification. Record the percentage of admixture on the work record and the 

certificate to the nearest one-tenth percent.

16. PURITY

Purity refers to the total percentage of confectionary sunflower seed minus admixture.

Basis of Determination. Determine purity on a portion of approximately 60 grams cut 

from the original sample (before removing dockage)

Procedure. The procedure for determining admixture will provide the information to 

calculate purity

How to Compute Purity. Compute the percentage of purity as follows:

Weight of portion - weight of admixture = weight of pure seeds

(Weight of pure seeds ÷ weight of portion) x 100 = percent of purity

Certification. Record the percentage of purity on the work record and the certificate in 

hundredth of a percent without rounding (e.g., 98.997 = 98.99 percent).

 

1 When corn and/or soybeans are present, use approximately 600 grams.
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 10

17. DEHULLED SEED

Dehulled seeds are confectionary sunflower seed which have the hull completely 

removed from the kernel

Basis of Determination. Determine dehulled seed on a portion of approximately 60 

grams after removing the mechanically separated dockage

Procedure. Handpick the 60-gram portion for dehulled seed.

Certification. Record the percentage of dehulled seed on the work record and the 

certificate to the nearest tenth percent.

18. DAMAGED SEED

a. Damaged. Seed and pieces of seed that are heat-damaged, sprout-damaged,

frost-damaged, badly weather-damaged, mold-damaged, diseased, insectdamaged, or otherwise materially damaged or immature.

b. Heat-Damaged. Seed and pieces of seed which have been discolored and

damaged by heat. Heat-damaged seeds are included in total percentage of 

damaged seeds. Reference Image: Sunflower Seed Damage Image B (ILP: SS2.0

c. Damaged-by-Heat. Seed and pieces of seed that are slightly discolored as a resul

of heating. Reference Image: Sunflower Seed Damage Image A (ILP: SS-1.0).

d. Mold-Damaged. Seed and pieces of seed which contain mold. The mold damage

may affect the exterior or the interior of the seed. Surface mold growth can be 

assessed by visual appraisal and comparison to Reference Image: Sunflower 

Seed Damage Image C (ILP: SS-3.0). Interior mold growth (invaded-by-mold) can 

only be assessed after removing the hull from the seed

e. Insect-Damaged. Seed and pieces of seed which are insect-bored resulting in

damaged meats. Exterior insect damage can be assessed by visual appraisal 

(there must be exterior evidence of insect boring: (i.e., pinhole). Interior insect 

damage can only be assessed after removing the hull from the seed

Basis of Determination. Determine all types of damage on a representative portion

of approximately 30 grams cut from the work sample after removing the mechanically 

separated dockage and the handpicked dockage

Damage must be distinct. Consider a kernel as damaged when the damage is distinctly 

apparent and of such character that it is recognized as damaged for commercial 

purposes
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 11

Procedure. Determine all types of damage as follows:

STEP 1. Remove all foreign material from the 30-gram portion.

STEP 2. Remove all visibly damaged confectionary sunflower seeds from the remainde

of the 30-gram portion.

STEP 3. Compute the percentage for the visibly damaged seeds remove

STEP 4. Remove the hull from the seed of the remainder of the 30-gram portion using 

an approved method or device (e.g. hand, barley pearler, pneumatic dehuller

etc.). You will use this dehulled portion to determine interior seed damage, 

so make sure that the method or device that you use does not destroy the 

evidence of interior damage

STEP 5. Weigh the dehulled portio

STEP 6. Separate seeds that are heat-damaged, damaged-by-heat, insect-damaged 

(interior), and invaded-by-mold (interior mold growth) from the sound dehulled 

seeds

STEP 7. Calculate the percentage of the various damage

To obtain the percentage of mold-damaged seeds, add the percentage of seeds which 

exhibited surface mold growth and which were invaded-by-mold.

To obtain the percentage of insect-damaged seeds, add the percentage of seeds which 

exhibited both exterior and interior insect damage.
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 12

How to Compute Total Damaged Kernels. Obtain the percentage of damaged kernels

by adding the percentage of other-damaged kernels, heat-damaged kernels, damagedby-heat, mold-damaged, and insect-damaged kernels. Add the results, as shown in the 

following example, in hundredths (disregard thousandths) and round the sum to the 

nearest tenth percent

a. (Weight of other-damaged kernels ÷ weight of representative portion after 

removing dockage) x 100 = percent of other-damaged kernels

b. (100 percent - percent of other-damaged kernels) ÷ 100 = change of base factor

c. (Weight of heat-damaged kernels ÷ weight of de-hulled portion) x 100 = percent of 

heat-damaged kernels

d. Percent of heat-damaged kernels x change of base factor = adjusted percent of 

heat-damaged kernels

e. (Weight of damaged-by-heat kernels ÷ weight of de-hulled portion) x 100 = 

percent of damaged-by-heat kernels

f. Percent of damaged-by-heat kernels x change of base factor = adjusted percent of 

damaged-by-heat

g. (Weight of invaded-by-mold kernels ÷ weight of de-hulled portion) x 100 = 

percent of invaded-by-mold kernels

h. Percent of invaded-by-mold kernels x change of base factor - adjusted percent of 

invaded-by-mold kernels

i. (Weight of interior insect-damaged kernels ÷ weight of de-hulled portion) x 100 = 

percent of insect-damaged kernels (interior)

j. Percent of interior insect-damaged kernels x change of base factor = 

adjusted percent of insect-damaged kernels (interior)

k. (Weight of mold-damaged kernels (surface mold) ÷ weight of representative portion 

after removing dockage) x 100 = percent of mold-damaged kernels (surface mold)

l. Percent of mold-damaged kernels (surface mold) + adjusted percent of invadedby-mold kernels = adjusted percent of mold-damaged kernels

m. (Weight of exterior insect-damaged kernels ÷ weight of representative portion after 

removing dockage) x 100 = percent of insect-damaged kernels (exterior)

n. Percent of insect-damaged kernels (exterior) + adjusted percent of insect-damaged 

kernels (interior) = adjusted percent of insect-damaged kernels

o. Percent of other-damaged kernels + adjusted percent of heat-damaged kernels 

+ adjusted percent of damaged-by-heat kernels + adjusted percent of molddamaged kernels + adjusted percent of insect-damaged kernels = percent of 

damaged kernels (total)
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 13

Example for Computing Total Damaged Kernels:

Weight of representative portion after removing dockage 30.58 gram

Weight of other-damaged kernels 0.60 grams

Weight of insect-damaged kernels (exterior) 0.23 grams

Weight of mold-damaged kernels (surface) 0.11 grams

Weight of dehulled portion 15.78 gram

Weight of heat-damaged kernels 0.16 grams

Weight of damaged-by-heat kernels 1.50 grams

Weight of invaded-by-mold kernels 0.15 grams

Weight of insect-damaged kernels (interior) 0.14 grams

a. (0.60 grams ÷ 30.58 grams) x 100 = 1.96 percent of other-damaged kernels

b. (100% - 1.96%) ÷ 100 = 0.98 change of base factor

c. (0.16 grams ÷ 15.78 grams) x 100 = 1.01 percent of heat-damaged kernels

d. 1.01 x 0.98 = 0.98 adjusted percent of heat-damaged kernels

e. (1.50 grams ÷ 15.78 grams) x 100 = 9.50 percent of damaged-by-heat kernels

f. 9.50 x 0.98 = 9.31 adjusted percent of damaged-by-heat kernels

g. (0.15 grams ÷ 15.78 grams) x 100 = 0.95 percent of invaded-by-mold kernels

h. 0.95 x 0.98 = 0.93 adjust percent of invaded-by-mold kernels

i. (0.14 grams ÷ 15.78 grams) x 100 = 0.88 percent of insect-damaged kernels (interior

j. 0.88 x 0.98 = 0.86 adjusted percent of insect-damaged kernels (interior)

k. (0.11 grams ÷ 30.58 grams) x 100 = 0.35 percent of mold-damaged kernels (surface mold

l. 0.35 + 0.93 = 1.28 adjusted percent of mold-damaged kernels

m. (0.23 grams ÷ 30.58 grams) x 100 = 0.75 percent of insect-damaged kernels (exterior

n. 0.75 + 0.86 = 1.61 adjusted percent of insect-damaged kernels

o. 1.96% + 0.98% + 9.31% + 1.28% + 1.61% = 15.14 percent of damaged kernels (total

(add in hundredths and round to 15.1%)

Certification. Record the percentage of damaged (total), other-damaged, heatdamaged, damaged-by-heat, mold-damaged, and insect-damaged kernels on the work 

record and the certificate to the nearest one-tenth percent.
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 14

19. SEED SIZING

Confectionary sunflower seed size indicates the percentage of seeds which will pass 

through a requested sieve size (i.e., 16/64, 18/64, 20/64, 22/64, 24/64 inch, etc.). A 

moisture determination must accompany the seed sizing determination (refer to section 

13 for details)

Basis of Determination. Determine seed size on a representative portion of 

approximately 100 grams cut from the work sample after removing the mechanically 

separated dockage

Procedure. Use a mechanical shaker as follows for determining seed size:

STEP 1. Mount the appropriate sieves on the bottom pan (it is appropriate to use a

sieve two sizes larger on top to maximize exposure to the bottom sieve).

STEP 2. Sieve the 100-gram portion on the mechanical shaker.

STEP 3. Set the stroke counter for 6

STEP 4. Consider all the material remaining on top of the sieve as sized confectionary 

sunflower seed.

STEP 5. Return the material lodged in the perforations to the confectionary sunflower 

seed which remained on top of the sieve (sized seed).

Certification. Record the seed size in whole percentages on the work record and 

certificate. Include the moisture percentage (as determined by the GAC 2100 moisture 

instrument) in the certification statement.

Example of Certification: % remaining on a (specify sieve size) sieve. %

 passing through a (specify sieve size) sieve. % moisture

Official personnel may modify this statement as needed.

20. SCLEROTINIA

The fungus S. sclerotiorum causes a stem disease (stem rot) in sunflowers which

results in large black growths (sclerotia) on the stem and seeds.

Sclerotia are white at first, later becoming black. The sclerotia are hard on the outside 

and may vary in size from 2 to 10 millimeters or larger in diameter. The sclerotia are 

usually more flattened and elongated than spherical.

Basis of Determination/Procedure. Determine the presence of sclerotinia on

a representative portion of approximately 300 grams cut from the sample after 

removing the mechanically separated dockage. When determining the presence of 

sclerotiorum, refer to Reference Image: Sclerotinia

Certification. Record the percentage of sclerotinia on the work record and the certificat

to the nearest one-tenth percent.
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 15

21. DARK ROAST

Dark roast is a dark discoloration that appears on confectionary sunflower seeds after 

roasting

Definition. Sunflower meats and pieces of sunflower meats with 1⁄2 of the surface area 

discolored equal to or greater than intensity shown on Reference Image: Sunflower 

Seed Damage Image A (ILP: SS-1.0) after roasting.

Basis of Determination. Determine dark roast on a representative portion of

approximately 25 grams of dehulled sunflower seed after removing the mechanically 

separated dockage and the handpicked dockage

Procedures. Determine dark roast as follows:

STEP 1. Size approximately 75 grams of sample over a 16/64 round-hole sieve.

STEP 2. Remove the hull from the seed using an approved method or device

(e.g. hand, barley pearler, pneumatic de-huller, etc.).

STEP 3. Sieve the de-hulled sunflower meats over a 5/64 triangular sieve, and 

remove all material other than sunflower meats including pieces of hulls 

adhered to the sunflower meats.

STEP 4. Divide the de-hulled sunflower meats to obtain a work portion of 

approximately 25 grams (+/- 1.5 grams).

STEP 5. Preheat and stabilize the oil to 350 degrees F. (+/- 5 degrees).

STEP 6. Place the sunflower meats in a metal strainer and submerge in the oil for one 

minute (60 seconds), remove from the oil and allow the seeds to drain for 

approximately 15 seconds.

STEP 7. Place the roasted meats on a paper towel and blot dry for 2 minutes.

STEP 8. Weigh the portion and record the weight on the work record.

STEP 9. Remove meats and pieces of meats in which 1⁄2 of the surface area is 

discolored equal to or greater than the intensity shown on Reference Image: 

Sunflower Seed Damage Image A (ILP: SS-1.0).

Certification. Record the percentage of dark roast on the work record and the 

certificate to the nearest one-tenth percent.
FGIS Directive 9180.51 March 14, 2022

Page 16

22. CERTIFICATION

Certify analysis on a commodity inspection certificate. Issue a commodity submitted 

sample inspection certificate for a sample submitted by an applicant or an agent.

When an applicant requests analysis for only specific factors, show this sentence on the 

certificate:

“Specific factor analysis only.”

23. QUESTIONS

Direct any questions concerning this directive to the Policies, Procedures, and Market 

Analysis Branch at (202) 720-0228.