United States Department of Agriculture

Agricultural Marketing Service

Federal Grain Inspection Service

Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

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

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INSPECTION OF KHORASAN

Contents

INSPECTION OF KHORASAN �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

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

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

3. BACKGROUND��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

4. GENERAL INFORMATION���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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

6. BASIS OF DETERMINATION ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

7. DEFINITION OF KHORASAN SEED �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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

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

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

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

12. GARLIC BULBLETS�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

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

15. TEST WEIGHT�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������

16. PROCESSING THE WORK SAMPLE��������������������������������������������������������������������������������

17. ERGOTY KHORASAN �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

18. LIGHT SMUTTY AND SMUTTY KHORASAN������������������������������������������������������������������1

19. TREATED KHORASAN���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1

20. SHRUNKEN AND BROKEN KERNELS���������������������������������������������������������������������������1

21. DAMAGED KERNELS������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

22. HEAT-DAMAGED KERNELS �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

23. FOREIGN MATERIAL�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

24. DEFECTS�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1

25. QUESTIONS ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������1
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 2

1. PURPOSE

This directive establishes inspection procedures for the factor analysis of Khorasan 

seed 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 9180.60, dated 5/01/1

3. BACKGROUND

While assisting Kamut producers to obtain crop insurance coverage, the Federal Grain 

Inspection Service (FGIS) worked with the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to 

develop inspection procedures for the factor analysis of this organically grown wheatlike grain. FGIS used the name of Kamut in establishing the procedures. However

Kamut is not the name of the commodity, but is a registered trademark owned by Kamut 

International, Ltd (KI). The name Kamut is used to market a grain that has certain

guaranteed quality attributes as specified by KI. The common name of the grain is 

Khorasan wheat. It was first identified as Triticum Polonicum, but further examination 

has shown that this variety of wheat is actually Triticum Turanicum

For 2004, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation modified its wheat crop insurance 

provisions to include the term Khorasan into the crop definition and to create a separate 

definition of Khorasan, which reads: “the common name for a variety of wheat Triticum 

Turanicum that is marketed under trademarks such as Kamut. Khorasan is considered

to be spring wheat for the purpose of this policy.

4. GENERAL INFORMATION

There are no classes, subclasses, or grades in Khorasan seed. Inspection of Khorasan

seed is on a factor only basis. The factors analyzed are: kind of grain, test weight, 

moisture, dockage, shrunken and broken kernels, infestation, heating, odor, bird 

dropping, other animal filth, broken glass, castor beans, cockleburs, crotalaria seeds, 

smut, ergot, garlic, treated, stones, temperature, unknown foreign substances, heatdamaged kernels, damaged kernels, and foreign material
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 3

5. STANDARD ABBREVIATIONS

Use the following abbreviations in the analysis of Khorasan seed:

Khorasan seed KHOR Cockleburs CBUR

Moisture M Crotalaria CROT

Dockage DKG Garlic bulblets GARB

Test weight per bushel TW Unknown foreign substance FSUB

Damaged kernels (total) DKT Odor ODOR

Heat-damaged kernels HT Musty MUST

Shrunken and broken kernels SHBN Sour SOUR

Foreign material FM Commercially objectionable COFO

Infested INF foreign odor

Heating HTG Smutty SMUT

Bird excreta BRDX Stones STON

Animal filth ANFL Treated TRET

Castor beans CSTB

6. BASIS OF DETERMINATION

TABLE 1

(How Factors are Determined)

Lot as a Whole Before the Removal of 

Dockage

Before the Removal of 

Dockage

After the Removal of

Dockage and Shrunken

and Broken Kernels

Heating

Infested

Odor

Garlicky

Heating

Infested

Kind of Grain

Moisture

Odor

Odor (smut)

Other unusual conditions

Ergot

Kind of grain

Odor

Shrunken & broken kernels

Smut

Stones

Test weight

Treated

Damaged kernels (total)

Foreign material

Heat-damaged kernels

7. DEFINITION OF KHORASAN SEED

Khorasan (Triticum Turanicum) consists of 50.0 percent or more of whole Khorasan

seed before the removal of dockage

Whole kernels are kernels with three-fourths or more of the kernel present

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

it meets the definition of Khorasan seed. However, if analysis is necessary, make the 

determination after the removal of dockage on a portion of approximately 50 grams
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 4

8. INFESTATION

Khorasan seed that is infested with live weevils or other live insects injurious to stored 

grain according to procedures prescribed in 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 examine carefully the Khorasan seed 

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

reaching a conclusion as to whether the Khorasan seed is infested. Do not examine the

file sample if the work portion is insect free.

Live weevils include rice weevils, granary weevils, maize weevils, cowpea weevils, and 

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

grain moths, and larvae. (See Grain Inspection Handbook, Book II, Chapter 1, Section

1.2, for visual references of insects commonly found in grain

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

as a whole. For insect tolerances, see Table 

TABLE 2

INSECT INFESTATION

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

2 lw, or 1 lw + 1 oli, or 2 oli

I. 1,000-gram Representative Sample 

(+ 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) 

- Railcars Under Cu-Sum

- Subsamples for Sacked Grain Lots

- Components for Bargelots 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

3 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 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 5

9. HEATING

Khorasan developing a high temperature from excessive respiration is considered 

heating. Heating Khorasan, in its final stages, will usually have a sour or musty odor. Do 

not confuse Khorasan that is heating with Khorasan 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 heating on the work record and certificate.

10. ODOR

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

on the sample either before or after the removal of dockage

TABLE 3

ODOR CLASSIFICATION EXAMPLES

Sour Musty Commercially Objectionable Foreign Odors

Boot

Fermenting

Insect (acrid)

Pigpen

Ground

Insect

Moldy

Animal hides

Decaying animal & vegetable matter

Fertilizer

Fumigant

Insecticide

Oil products

Skunk

Smoke

Strong weed

Commercially Objectionable Foreign Odors. are odors, except smut and garlic odors, 

foreign to grain, which render it unfit for normal usage.

Fumigant or insecticide odors are commercially objectionable foreign odors if the 

odors linger and do not dissipate. When a sample of Khorasan 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 f

4 hours, or less, if the odor dissipates in less time

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
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 6

Final Determination. The inspector(s) is responsible for making the final determination 

for all odors. When possible use a consensus of experienced inspectors, on samples

containing marginal odors. The consensus approach is not required if no odor or a

distinct odor is detected

Certification. If present, record the words “Musty”, “Sour”, or “Commercially Objectionabl

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 samples 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. Record count factors to the nearest 

whole number

12. GARLIC BULBLETS

Basis of Determination. Determine the number of garlic bulblets on the sample before

the removal of dockage (approximately 1,000 grams), except in those cases where the 

garlic bulblet count is in excess of 10 green bulblets. When garlic bulblets are in excess

of 10 green bulblets, use a portion of 250 grams. After determining the count of bulblets

on the 250-gram portion, multiply the count by 4 to obtain the equivalent number of 

bulblets in 1,000 grams. Reference Image: Garlic

Characteristics of Bulblets

a. Green garlic bulblets are bulblets, which have retained all of their husks intac

b. Dry or partly dry garlic bulblets are bulblets, which have lost all or part of their

husks. Consider bulblets with cracked husks as dr

Note: Three dry or partly dry garlic bulblets are equal to one green bulblet.

Garlic bulblets function as dockage or foreign material

Certification. Record the number of garlic bulblets in whole and decimals to the nearest

hundredth percent, on the work record and the certificate. (i.e. 1/3=0.33, 2/3= 0.67)
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 7

13. MOISTURE

Water content in grain as determined by approved moisture instruments listed in 

the Moisture Handbook using the approved calibration for Durum Wheat (See FGIS 

Directive 9180.61

Basis of Determination. Determine moisture on a portion of approximately 650 grams

before the removal of dockage

The procedures for performing a moisture determination are described in the Moisture 

Handbook

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

to the nearest tenth percent

14. DOCKAG

All matter other than Khorasan that you can remove from the original sample by use 

of an approved device according to procedures prescribed in FGIS instructions. Also, 

underdeveloped, shriveled, and small pieces of Khorasan kernels removed in properly 

separating the material other than Khorasan and that you cannot recover by properly 

rescreening or recleaning.

Basis of Determination. Determine dockage on a portion of 1,000 to 1,050 grams of 

the original sample

When determining dockage, check the material that passes over the riddle for threshed 

or unthreshed kernels and sprouted kernels of Khorasan

Threshed and sprouted kernels that pass over the riddle are not considered dockage

Return all such kernels to the dockage-free sample. Threshed kernels of Khorasan are

kernels with either no glumes attached, or not more than one glume attached

Unthreshed kernels that pass over the riddle are considered dockage. Unthreshed

kernels are kernels with more than one glume attached. Reference Image: Threshed & 

Unthreshed Kernels

a. Procedure for determining dockage with the Carter Dockage Teste

Set up the Carter dockage tester as follows:

(1) Air control at Number 4

(2) Feed control at Number 6

(3) Number 25 riddle in the riddle carriage. If the predominating grain is Khorasan

use the No. 25 riddle. If kernels are approximately the size of Durum whea

kernels use the No. 25 riddle; otherwise use the No. 2 ridd

(4) No sieve in the top sieve carriage

(5) Number 2 sieve in the middle sieve carriage

(6) Number 2 in the bottom sieve carriage

Start the Carter Dockage Tester and pour sample into the feed hopper
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 8

b. Dockage consists of:

(1) Material removed by the aspirator (air collection pan)

(2) Material over the riddle, except for threshed and sprouted kernels. Threshed

kernels have one or no glume attached. Reference Image: Threshed &

Unthreshed Kernels. Place threshed and sprouted kernels in the cleaned

Khorasan (over middle sieve)

(3) Material that passed over the bottom sieve except when the material consists 

of less than 50 percent, by weight, of wheat kernels. When 50 percent or

more of wheat kernels are found, return the material to the cleaned wheat

(4) Material that passed through the Number 2 sieve (bottom collection pan)

To avoid repeating operations, check the dockage for garlic bulblets, infestation, and 

other factors (except stones)

Certification. Record the word “Dockage” and the percentage to the nearest tenth 

percent on the work record and the certificate. If the dockage is less than one-tenth 

percent, report as “Dockage 0.0 percent.”

15. TEST WEIGHT

The weight per Winchester bushel (2,150.42 cubic inches) as determined using an

approved device according to procedures prescribed in FGIS instructions

Basis of Determination. Determine test weight on a dockage-free portion of sufficient 

quantity to overflow the kettle.

The procedures for performing the test weight determination and available services are 

described in Book II, Chapter 1, Section 1.1

Certification. Record test weight results on the work record as displayed on the

electronic scale or in whole and tenth pounds to the nearest tenth pound. Record the

test weight on the certificate in whole and tenth pounds to the nearest tenth pound. If 

requested, convert the pounds per bushel (lbs./bu) result to kilograms per hectoliter (kg

hl) using the following formulas: for Khorasan seed, [1.292 x lbs./bu] + 0.630 = kg/hl.

16. PROCESSING THE WORK SAMPLE

At this point, you have performed all tests required before the removal of dockage. You

have determined the percentage of dockage, test weighed the sample, and examined it 

for certain criteria. Now you are ready to divide the work sample into fractional portions

for other determinations required after the removal of dockage. The following chart and

Table 4 illustrate how you will divide the sample into fractional parts using the Boerner 

divider
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 9

DIVIDING THE WORK SAMPLE

Work Sample

(DKG-Free)

Ergot 

1st Cut 1st Cut

Shrunken & Broken 2nd Cut 2nd Cut Smut

3rd Cut 3rd Cut

Foreign Material

Heat-Damaged 4th Cut

5th Cut 5th Cut

Damaged Kernels 

(Total) 6th Cut
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 10

TABLE 4

APPROXIMATE ANALYTICAL PORTION SIZES

Factors Grams

Ergot

Shrunken & broken kernels

Smut

Class

Damaged kernels (total)

Foreign material

Heat-damaged kernels

1,000

250

250

15

15

50

50

17. ERGOTY KHORASAN

Khorasan that contains more than 0.05 percent of ergot.

Ergot is a hard, reddish-brown or black grain-like mass of certain parasitic fungi that 

replaces the kernels of Khorasan. Reference Image: Ergot

Basis of Determination. Determine ergot on a dockage-free portion of 1,000 gram

Ergot applies in the determination of ergot and it functions as foreign material

Certification. Upon request, record the percentage of ergot to the nearest hundredth

percent on the work record and the certificate.

18. LIGHT SMUTTY AND SMUTTY KHORASAN

Light Smutty. Khorasan that has an unmistakable odor of smut, or which contains, in a

250-gram portion, smut balls, portions of smut balls, or spores of smut in excess of a 

quantity equal to 5 smut balls, but not in excess of a quantity equal to 30 smut balls of 

average size.

Smutty. Khorasan that contains, in a 250-gram portion, smut balls, portions of smut

balls, or spores of smut in excess of a quantity equal to 30 smut balls of average size.

Basis of Determination. Determine “Light smutty” on the sample as a whole (odor only)

or on a dockage-free portion of 250 grams. Determine “Smutty” on a dockage-free 

portion of 250 grams. Smut balls apply in the determination of “Light smutty” or “Smutty” 

but also function as foreign material

Certification. If present, record the word “Smutty” on the work record and certificate. 

Upon request, show the odor (in the case of light smutty) or the number of smut balls
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 11

19. TREATED KHORASAN

Khorasan that has been scoured, limed, washed, sulfured, or treated in such a manner 

that the true quality is not reflected.

Basis of Determination. Determine treated on the basis of the dockage-free work

sample. If at the time of sampling, odor or other conditions indicate that the Khorasan

has been treated, place a portion of the sample in an airtight container for examination 

in the laboratory

Three qualities are associated with natural, untreated Khorasan:

a. A natural, live, healthy feeling

b. A bright, attractive appearance; an

c. A natural Khorasan odo

Any artificial or mechanical process that impairs or conceals the true quality of 

Khorasan, causes Khorasan to grade treated. Such processes include:

Scoured or Washed. Khorasan which has been scoured or washed, in whole or in part,

so that the true quality of the Khorasan is not reflected, and which meets one or more of 

the following conditions, is considered treated and graded as scoured or washed

a. Presents a blistered and/or abraded bran coat appearance as a result of treatment

b. Has a so-called laundry odor or wet smut odor

c.  A dull, lifeless appearance or feeling; 

d. Has the appearance of having been scoured for the purpose of increasing the test

weight per bushel

Sulfured Khorasan. Khorasan that in whole or in part, has been bleached with any

bleaching agent is considered treated (sulfured)

Limed Khorasan. The presence of lime in a sample of Khorasan (that has not been

scoured) is considered as evidence that the lime was added to cover up some defect in 

the Khorasan. Consider such Khorasan as treated (limed

Treatment for Infestation. Khorasan, which has been treated to exterminate live

weevils or other live insects, is not considered treated unless the Khorasan has the 

characteristics of treated Khorasan as described above

Certification. When applicable, record “Treated”, along with the type of treatment on the 

work record and certificate.
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 12

20. SHRUNKEN AND BROKEN KERNELS

All matter that passes through a 0.064 x 3/8 oblong-hole sieve after sieving according to 

procedures prescribed in FGIS instructions.

Basis of Determination. Determine shrunken and broken kernels on a dockage-free

portion of 250 grams using one of the following methods:

a. Mechanical Sieving Metho

(1) Mount the sieve and the bottom pan on the mechanical sieve shaker

(2) Set the stroke counter for 30 strokes

(3) Follow the procedure described in Book II, Chapter 1, Section 1.13,

“Mechanical Sieve Shaker.”

(4) Consider all material passing through the sieve as shrunken and broken 

kernels. Return the material lodged in the perforations to the Khorasan

remaining on top of the sieve

b. Hand Sieving Metho

(1) Mount the sieve on a bottom pan

(2) Place the 250-gram portion in the center of the sieve

(3) Hold the sieve level in both hands with elbows close to the body and the sieve 

perforations parallel to the direction of movement

(4) In a steady motion, move the sieve from left to right approximately 10 inches 

and then return from right to left

(5) Repeat this operation 30 times

(6) Consider all material passing through the sieve as shrunken and broken 

kernels. Return the material lodged in the perforations to the Khorasan

remaining on top of the sieve

Determine shrunken and broken kernels prior to analyzing the sample for heat-damaged 

kernels, damaged kernels, foreign material, and contrasting classes

Certification. Record the percentage of shrunken and broken kernels on the work record

and certificate to the nearest tenth percent.
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 13

21. DAMAGED KERNELS

Kernels, pieces of Khorasan seeds, and other grains that are badly ground-damaged, 

badly weather-damaged, diseased, frost-damaged, germ-damaged, heat-damaged, 

insect-bored, mold-damaged, sprout-damaged, or otherwise materially damaged.

Basis of Determination. Determine damaged kernels on a dockage-free and shrunken

and broken-free portion of 15 grams

Types of Khorasan damage

a. Black Tip Fungus. Kernels affected by black tip fungus to the extent that the fungus

growth is on the germ and extends into the crease of the kernel. Reference Image: 

Black Tip Damage (ILP: W-1.0).

b. Heat-Damaged Kernels. Kernels materially discolored and damaged by he

It is necessary, in most cases, to cut the kernels and make a cross-section analysis 

to determine if the color is reddish-brown, mahogany, or creamy. Reference Image: 

Heat Damage (ILP: W-6.0 (Durum) and ILP: W-6.1(Other Than Durum)).

c. Blight or Scab. Kernels with a dull, lifeless, and chalky appearance resulting fro

disease. The germ and crease may also have a moldy appearance. Kernels whic

are not damaged enough to function as scab damage should be examined further 

for moldy germs and creases. Reference Image: Scab Damage (ILP:W-2.0).

d. Frost-Damaged Kernels (Blistered). Kernels with distinct frost blisters extendin

around the back of the kernel and into the crease. Reference Image: Frost 

Damage - Blistered (ILP:W-3.0).

e. Frost-Damaged Kernels (Candied). Kernels that have a distinctly wax-like o

candied appearance. Frost-damaged (candied) kernels can be greenish, greenishyellow, brownish, or blackish in color. They frequently have dark stripes showin

through the sides of the kernels. Reference Image: Frost Damage - Candied (ILP: 

W-3.1

f. Frost-Damaged Kernels (Flaked). Kernels that have a slightly flaked-off bran

coat due to frost. Evidence of frost must be present. Do not confuse flaked-byfrost with kernels which have had the bran coat rubbed off because of handling. 

Reference Image: Frost Damage - Flaked (ILP: W-3.3).

g. Frost-Damaged Kernels (Discolored Black or Brown). Kernels which are discolore

black or brown and/or have a bleached or blistered appearance with dark lines 

showing through both sides. Reference Image: Frost Damage - Discolored Black/

Brown (ILP:W-3.2).

h. Germ-Damaged Kernels (Mold). Kernels which have mold in the germ. The br

coat covering the germ should be removed carefully as scraping the bran coat too 

deep could remove the mold. Reference Image: Mold Damage (ILP W-4.1
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 14

i. Green Damage (Immature). Kernels which are intense green (immature) an

without any yellow appearance. Reference Image: Green Damage (ILP: W-5.0).

j. Mold-like Substance. Whole kernels of Khorasan which are 50 percent or mor

covered and pieces of kernels which are discolored and covered with a mold-like 

substance

k. Other Damage. Kernels with cracks, breaks, or chews and which contain mold o

fungus. Reference Image: Other Damage (ILP: W-7.0).

l. Sprout-Damaged Kernels. Kernels with the germ end broken open fro

germination exhibiting sprout or from which the sprouts have been broken off. 

Reference Image: Sprout Damage (ILP: W-8.0).

m. Insect-Bored Kernels. Kernels that have been bored or tunneled by insec

Reference Image: Weevil or Insect-Bored (ILP: W-9.0).

n. Germ-Damaged Kernels (Sick). Kernels damaged as a result of heat but are no

materially discolored. Sick kernels should be scraped very carefully to avoid the

loss of discoloration and/or popping or removal of the germ. Reference Image: 

Germ Damage - Scraped (ILP: W-4.0) and Reference Image: Germ Damage - 

Bleach Method (ILP: W-4.2).

Bleach Method. The bleaching procedure that uses the S/J mixer may be used as an

alternate method for determining germ-damaged Khorasan

1

 Prior to bleaching, remove 

all types of damaged kernels, except germ-damaged, from the representative portion 

and calculate the percentage. The portion, minus the other types of damaged kernels,

can now be bleached. After bleaching, weigh the bleached portion, remove the germdamaged kernels, and calculate the percentag

Bleach Procedure

a. Place 15 grams (13.5 to 16.5) of Khorasan in the mixing jar. If the amount of ot

damage present in the original 15-gram portion reduces the weight of the sample 

to be bleached below 13.5 grams, an additional 15-gram portion must be analyzed

for germ damage. It is not necessary to remove the other damaged kernels from

the second portion before bleaching

b. Add 15 grams of potassium hydroxide (KOH) pellet

c. Add 20 ml of bleac

d. Set stirring head on jar, place jar on mixer, and mix for 3 minute

 

1 For equipment and materials, see Book II, Section 1.17 of the Grain Inspection Handboo
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 15

e. Pour the Khorasan from the mixing jar into the tea strainer and rinse with warm tap

water to remove the KOH bleach solution

f. After rinsing, lightly tap the tea strainer against the edge of the sink to remove

the excess water. Gently press the bottom of the tea strainer on a dry paper towel

to remove any additional water

g. Place the Khorasan on the dryer sieve and dry for 1 to 1-1/2 minutes or until the

kernels are not tacky when picked up with a pair of tweezers

h. Remove the Khorasan from the drying sieve and weigh. The kernels with ger

damage should now be readily apparent. If not, it is permissible to carefully lift the

bran coat from over the germ area to examine for damage

Any deviation from the previously described procedures may result in improperly 

bleached Khorasan and could produce a hazardous condition. Further

• Wear safety equipment while the bleach operation is in progress and clean 

thoroughly the lab area once bleaching is complete

• Neutralize spills with vinegar before wiping the liquid up

• Avoid mixing the KOH bleach solution used in this test with chemical reagents or 

waste solutions associated with other tests

• Dispose of the KOH bleach solution by washing the solution down the sink drain 

with large quantities of water

Computing Damaged Kernels. Obtain the percentage of total damaged kernels

by adding the percentage of germ-damaged kernels and other damaged kernels

Add the results, as shown in the following example, in hundredths (disregard 

thousandths) and round the sum to the nearest tenth percent

STEP 1. Weight of other type damaged kernels ) weight of sample before

bleaching x 100 = percentage of other type damaged kernels.

STEP 2. 100 percent - percentage of other type damaged kernels )100 = change 

 of base factor

STEP 3. Weight of germ-damaged portion ) weight of damaged portion after

bleaching x 100 = percentage of germ-damaged kernels.

STEP 4. Percentage of germ-damaged kernels x change of base factor = 

 adjusted percentage of germ-damaged kernels

STEP 5.  Percentage of other damaged kernels + adjusted percentage of germdamaged kernels = percentage of damaged kernel
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

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Example:

Original weight of damaged portion = 16.10 grams

Weight of other type damaged kernels = 2.40 grams

Sample weight before bleaching = 13.70 grams

Sample weight after bleaching = 11.95 grams

Weight of germ-damaged kernels = 4.33 grams

STEP 1. (2.40 )16.10) x 100 = 14.90 percent of other type damaged kernels.

STEP 2. (100 percent - 14.90 percent) )100 percent = 0.85 change of base factor.

STEP 3. (4.33 )11.95) x 100 = 36.23 percent of germ-damaged kernels.

STEP 4. 0.85 x 36.23 = 30.79 adjusted percentage of germ-damaged kernels.

STEP 5. 14.90 + 30.79 = 45.69 (rounded to 45.7) percent damaged kernels.

Certification. Record the percentage of damaged kernels on the work record and

certificate to the nearest tenth percent. If an applicant requests that the number of 

insect-damaged kernels be reported on the certificate, use the approved statements in 

Book IV, Chapter 3, Section 3.

22. HEAT-DAMAGED KERNELS

Kernels, pieces of Khorasan kernels, and other grains that are materially discolored and 

damaged by heat that remain in the sample after the removal of dockage and shrunken 

and broken kernels

Basis of Determination. Determine heat-damaged kernels on a dockage-free and

shrunken, and broken-free portion of 50 grams. Reference Image: Heat Damage (ILP:

W-6.0 (Durum) and ILP: W-6.1(Other Than Durum)).

Certification. Record the percentage of heat-damaged kernels on the work record and

certificate to the nearest tenth percent.

23. FOREIGN MATERIAL

All matter other than Khorasan that remains in the sample after the removal of dockage 

and shrunken and broken kernels.

Basis of Determination. Determine foreign material on a dockage-free and shrunken

and broken-free portion of 50 grams

Other grains including wheat, oat groats, hull-less oats, glumes on threshed or 

unthreshed kernels, and all matter other than Khorasan, are considered foreign material 

and removed from the portion. Remove the glumes from the kernels of Khorasan and

add to the foreign material

Certification. Record the percentage of foreign material on the work record and

certificate to the nearest tenth percent.
FGIS Directive 9180.60 March 14, 2022

Page 17

24. DEFECTS

Damaged kernels, foreign material, and shrunken and broken kernels.

Basis of Determination. Determine defects on the sum of damaged kernels, foreign

material, and shrunken and broken kernels

A percentage for defects cannot be shown when only one or two of the factors defined 

as defects have been determined

Certification. Record the percentage of defects on the work record and certificate to the 

nearest tenth percent

When the percentages for damaged kernels, and shrunken and broken kernels, and 

foreign material are added together and the total exceeds 100 percent, adjust the 

percentage of defects by adjusting damaged kernels (total)

25. QUESTIONS

If you have any questions concerning this directive, please contact the Policies, 

Procedures, and Market Analysis Branch (PPMAB), at (202) 720-0228