Prior to blending any corn, the blending firm must complete a compliance certification form and submit the completed form to the Kansas Department of Agriculture. FDA has provided guidelines regarding how the blending is to be carried out. Those guidelines are listed in the 2012 Compliance Certification Form Blending Corn Containing Aflatoxin.

Blending firms are required to submit samples of blended corn for sale both in Kansas and out-of-state. The Kansas Grain Inspection Service will serve as the official provider for aflatoxin testing. All samples must be submitted to Kansas Grain Inspection Service using the Aflatoxin Blending Sample Form. The analysis will follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration’s (GIPSA) approved sampling and analysis protocols and testing procedures.

Corn contaminated with aflatoxin above 20 ppb may be blended with corn with lower levels or no aflatoxin as long as the aflatoxin levels are below the action levels set forth in FDA Guidance Document, Compliance Policy Guide? Section 683.100, “Action Levels for Aflatoxin in Animal Feeds.”

Prior to the use of the blended corn and before shipment in interstate commerce, the seller will certify that the aflatoxin level of the blended batch does not exceed the action level for the appropriate intended livestock species. The seller will provide the purchaser with a written copy of the aflatoxin testing results to assure the corn to be used for livestock feed is consistent with FDA guidelines.

It is important to note that the blended corn will be clearly identified and labeled for animal feed use only and no corn containing aflatoxin levels greater than 500 ppb can be blended for livestock feed.

Individuals interested in blending corn can find more information in the following documents:

• Aflatoxin Blending Compliance Instructions;
• Aflatoxin Blending Certification Form; and
• Aflatoxin Blending Sample Form

The FDA waiver is effective until December 31, 2012.