
Feed quality assurance — from sampling to complaint
Every buyer eventually receives an off-spec load. The mature ones have already written the process for detecting, quantifying, escalating and recovering. This is that process.
- Sampling protocol
- Third-party lab
- Tolerance clauses
Visual scope of procurement · quality
Sampling
Sealed composite sample at loading + at discharge, split into three (buyer retain, seller retain, umpire lab). No sample = no complaint.
Third-party lab
Eurofins, SGS, Bureau Veritas or Intertek — pre-agreed in the contract. NIR at intake for real-time screening; wet chemistry for disputes and mycotoxins.
Mycotoxin control
Aflatoxin, DON, zearalenone, ochratoxin, fumonisin panel on every corn/wheat/DDGS cargo. Regional risk maps drive frequency for other ingredients.
Tolerance clauses
Price adjustment table for CP/moisture/energy deviations; rejection thresholds; free-fatty-acid and peroxide limits for oils; salmonella limit for animal proteins.
Complaint handling
Written notice within 7 days of discharge with sealed umpire sample; joint investigation; recovery via price adjustment or replacement — not chargeback.
