A new, voluntary aflatoxin risk reduction program for Texas grain producers standardizes testing equipment and methods, making results less variable than in the past.

The One Sample Strategy, administered by the Office of the State Chemist, part of the Texas A&M AgriLife Research, has received support from a number of grain groups. Previously, grain elevators had no uniform method for sampling and testing corn for aflatoxin and no certainty the results were accurate, according to officials.

See also: Texas State Chemist headquarters set to expand in College Station

“This can be a game changer for Texas in grain quality,” said Brandon Murawski, merchandiser with the Scoular Company in Overland, Kansas. “Aflatoxin has been an issue in Texas for the past couple of years. It’s something that people always have to monitor. It’s taking risk out of the market.”

To protect consumers, the State Chemist Office ensures that the Texas feed and grain industry follows the recommended Food and Drug Administration action levels for aflatoxin contaminated grain, said Dr. Tim Herrman, state chemist.

Others say the program improves on a system that provided inconsistent results.