Keeping treated seed out of grain deliveries

Treated seed residues can present a serious risk to human and animal health at certain levels, so grain elevators must maintain a zero tolerance for treated seed in grain deliveries. Health Canada has set maximum residue limits for many chemicals in grain, including those used to treat seed. Any grain that exceeds these limits may need to be condemned and destroyed.

Prevent treated seed contamination

  1. Clean up spills and dispose of leftover treated seed as required by your province or municipality
  2. Use a seed bag collection program if one is available in your area
  3. Use dedicated bins for treated seed if you can
  4. Clean all equipment, bins and vehicles thoroughly after seeding and before harvest
  5. Visually inspect equipment and bins for treated seed:
    • before harvest
    • before transferring grain between bins
    • before transferring grain to a truck or railcar for delivery
Keeping treated seed out of grain deliveries. Text version below
Text version: Keeping treated seed out of grain deliveries
  • Clean up spills and dispose of leftover treated seed as required by your province or municipality
  • Use a seed bag collection program if one is available in your area
  • Use dedicated bins for treated seed if you can
  • Clean all equipment, bins and vehicles thoroughly after seeding and before harvest
  • Visually inspect equipment and bins for treated seed:
    • before harvest
    • before transferring grain between bins
    • before transferring grain to a truck or railcar for delivery

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