The Canadian Grain Commission recently announced upcoming changes to tolerance levels for Ergot, Sclerotinia and Fusarium. The new levels will help create uniformity and simplify assessment.
“These grading changes are not only uniform between Eastern and Western Canada, they also ensure Canada’s grain continues to uphold its reputation for quality and safety.” said Elwin Hermanson, chief commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission.
Levels of tolerance for ergot are currently dependant on grade and class of wheat, falling between 0.01% and 0.06%. With the new system, tolerance levels for both Ergot and Sclerotinia will be 0.02% or 0.04% for most classes of wheat. The tolerance level for Fusarium damage in Barley, will be 0.5% in both Canadian Eastern (CE) and Canadian Western (CW) Food.
“While Sclerotinia is not toxic like Ergot, we keep the tolerances the same for both because Sclerotinia is very similar in appearance to Ergot,” said Daryl Beswitherick, program manager with the Canadian Grain Commission. “By keeping tolerances the same for both of these grading factors, we can mitigate risk caused by any potential confusion between the two.”
The updated levels of tolerance are based on recommendations made by the Western Standards Committee and Eastern Standards Committee at meetings in April and will take effect on July 1, 2014 in Eastern Canada, and on August 1, 2014 in Western Canada.