Sec. 162.34. Sunflower seed standards

(a) Test weight.

The determination for test weight per bushel must be performed on a representative portion ranging in size 1 ⅛ to 1 ¼ quarts (approximately 600 to 650 grams) after the removal of mechanically separated foreign material. Minimum test weight shall be 29 pounds per bushel for black oil; 26 pounds per bushel for black stripe.

(b) Foreign material.

All matter other than whole sunflower seeds containing kernels which may be removed from a test portion of the original sample by use of an approved device and by hand picking a portion of the sample in accordance with procedures prescribed in the Grain Inspection Handbook. Not more than 2.0 percent.

(c) Damage.

Seeds and pieces of seed that are heat-damaged, sprout-damaged, frost damaged, badly weather-damaged, mold-damaged, diseased, or otherwise materially damaged. Total damage 5.0 percent, including not more than 0.2 percent heat damage, 2.0 percent insect damage.

(d) Heat damage.

Seed and pieces of seed which have been materially discolored and damaged by heat.

(e) Dehulled seed.

Sunflower seed which has the hull completely removed from the sunflower kernel.

(f) Moisture.

Maximum of 10 percent.

(g) Odor.

Sunflower seed which is sour, musty or has a commercially objectionable foreign odor (COFO) will not be permitted.

(h) Infested.

Sunflower seed which is infested with live weevils or other insects injurious to stored sunflower seed and/or other grain. In the work sample, one or more weevils, or five or more other live insects injurious to sunflower seed, will not be permitted.

(i) Distinctly low quality.

Sunflower seed which is obviously of inferior quality because it contains foreign substances or because it is in an unusual state or condition and which cannot be properly graded by use of the other grading factors provided in the standards. Distinctly low quality shall include any objects too large to enter the sample device (for example: large stones, wreckage and the like).

(1) Animal filth. Sunflower seed containing five or more whole rodent pellets, bird droppings, or an equivalent quantity of other animal filth will not be permitted.

(2) Broken glass. Sunflower seed containing one or more pieces of broken glass will not be permitted.

(3) Castor beans. These multicolored bean-like seeds of the castor oil plant have been found to be highly toxic to animal life. Sunflower seed containing one or more castor bean seeds will not be permitted.

(4) Crotalaria. The seed of crotalaria are highly toxic to animal life. These seeds can be various colors and are generally “kidney” or “boxing glove” shaped. Sunflower seeds containing two or more crotalaria seeds will not be permitted.

(5) Stones. When the representative portion of sunflower seed contains four or more stones, provided the total weight of the stones exceeds 0.10 percent, the sunflower seed will not be permitted.

(6) Unknown foreign substance. Sunflower seeds containing two or more pieces of an unknown foreign substance or a commonly recognized harmful or toxic foreign substance will not be permitted. Pelletized material other than feed pellets will be considered unknown foreign substance. Feed pellets in sunflower seed are considered foreign material.

(j) Packing.

Sunflower seeds shall be packed in new containers, which are properly marked, and subject to approval by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Container approval shall be based upon the ability of the container to maintain the quality standards and integrity of the product.

(k) Markings.

Containers of sunflower seeds packaged and offered for sale under the Seal of Quality program shall have affixed the official seal designation.