Cereal Food Manufacturer (United States)
July 2025
Grain Testing
InquiryThrough our global network of testing experts and analytical equipment including chromatography (HPLC, GC, GC/MS) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS, GFA, FIAS), Our goal is to provide test services as efficiently as possible to maximize our customers' profits. For more information about our services, contact one of our experts today.
Note: this service is for Research Use Only and Not intended for clinical use.
Introduction to Grain Testing
Grain is a small, hard, dry seed with or without an attached hull or fruit layer that are harvested for human or animal consumption. The "Grain" ranges from rice, wheat, millet, soybeans to other miscellaneous grains. Cereals are mainly plant seeds and fruits, which are traditional staple food of many Asian people. The two main types of commercial grain crops are cereals and legumes. Maize, rice, soybeans and wheat are found in major global commodity markets. The nutrients of cereals mainly include protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins. Cereals are processed into staple foods, providing humans with 50% to 80% heat, 40% to 70% protein, and more than 60% vitamin B1. However, grain processing will cause a loss of nutrients in the grain.
Alfa Chemistry's Advantage in Grain Testing
As a professional and comprehensive third-party testing organization, Alfa Chemistry Testing Lab provides one-stop testing, analysis and technical support services to clients around the world to ensure the quality and safety of grains, and issues authoritative, scientific, fair and accurate testing reports for clients.
Grains that can be tested by Alfa Chemistry include:
Alfa Chemistry's testing services for grains include:
| Services | Testing Items |
|---|---|
| Nutrient Content testing | Protein, flavor quality, product quality grade, fat, selenium, amino acids, etc. |
| Mycotoxin testing | Aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, ochratoxin A, fumonisin, etc. |
| Heavy metal testing | Lead, cadmium, chromium, total arsenic, total mercury, aluminum, inorganic arsenic, etc. |
| Environmental pollutant testing | Benzopyrene, etc. |
| Food additive testing | Benzoyl peroxide, bleach, etc. |
| Physical and chemical analysis | Moisture, physical indicators, bromide, etc. |
| Pesticide residue testing | Pyridoxine, chlorpyrifos, DDT, hexachlorocyclohexane, deltamethrin, fenvalerate, permethrin, isoprocarb, aldicarb, organophosphate insecticide, glyphosate, etc. |
| Illegal additive testing | Borax, talcum powder, etc. |
| Microbiological testing | Total number of colonies, coliform, salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, mold, shigella, etc. |
| Transgenic testing | Genetically modified screening, gene detection, strain identification, etc. |
Techniques for grain testing
Near-infrared Spectrometer
Near-infrared spectrometer is a non-destructive instrument that analyzes the composition and structure of samples by analyzing the near-infrared light reflection and scattering. It has a wide range of applications in grain quality inspection and identification, processing quality control, food safety supervision, etc.
Gas Chromatograph
Gas chromatograph is mainly used for the detection and analysis of residual pesticides, pesticide metabolites, residues, etc. in grains. It achieves precise analysis of sample components through sample separation, spectral detection, and other methods.
Liquid Chromatograph
Similar to gas chromatograph, liquid chromatograph is also used for separating and detecting chemical components in grains. It is mainly used for separating and quantitatively analyzing components such as fats, amino acids, and sugars.
Near-infrared Grain Analyzer
The near-infrared grain analyzer can quickly determine the content of crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, starch, moisture, etc. in grain samples.
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
Atomic absorption spectrophotometer can be used to detect various nutritional elements and harmful elements in grains.
Kjeldahl Nitrogen Analyzer
Kjeldahl nitrogen analyzer can calculate protein content by measuring the nitrogen content in a sample.
Grains test guidance, standards and specifications
- USDA
- ASTM
- ISO
- FDA
Industry articlesFAQsCustomer Reviews
Detection of Residues of Thiacloprid and Chlorfenapyr in Rice Grains
Teló, G. M., Senseman, S. A., Marchesan, E., Camargo, E. R., Jones, T., & McCauley, G. (2015). Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 63(8), 2119-2126.
Thiacloprid and chlorfenapyr insecticides have always been important tools for controlling pests in rice. However, food safety issues related to pesticide residues in crops such as rice are also worth considering. This study analyzed the residues of thiacloprid and chlorfenapyr in rice husks, bran, and polished rice. Samples were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), with a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 5 × 10-5 mg kg-1. Residues of thiacloprid and chlorfenapyr were detected in rice husks, bran, and polished rice grains, with higher quantification values found in rice husks and rice bran.
Analysis of Residues of More Than 200 Pesticides in Cereals
He, Z., Wang, L., Peng, Y., Luo, M., Wang, W., & Liu, X. (2015). Food chemistry, 169, 372-380.
Cereal crops account for over 60% of global agricultural production. Among cereals, rice, wheat, and maize are the most important three. Globally, rice is the main food crop for over 60% of the world's population, wheat is the main source of plant protein in human food, and maize is widely grown around the world. To ensure high yields and necessity of cereals, the widespread use of agrochemicals (fertilizers and pesticides) is a common practice. For food safety and environmental reasons, international organizations and legislation in different countries have set maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticides in food, including cereals. The latest MRL set by China mostly ranges from 50 to 500 µg kg-1 for pesticide residues in cereals. In this context, monitoring pesticide residues in cereals is not only important for ensuring food safety but also for compliance with good agricultural practices. The QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe) method combined with gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) is used to detect residues of 219 pesticides in cereals (maize, wheat flour, and rice).
Why do grain suppliers and food manufacturers need third-party grain testing?
Grain products are widely used in food manufacturing, animal feed production, and agricultural supply chains. Maintaining consistent quality is essential for protecting consumers, meeting buyer requirements, and ensuring stable production.
Third-party grain testing provides independent verification of product quality and helps companies:
An independent laboratory evaluation can provide objective data that supports better quality management.
When should companies arrange grain testing?
The timing of grain testing depends on the purpose of evaluation and the role of the company within the supply chain.
Common situations requiring testing include:
Regular testing programs can help companies identify quality changes early and reduce risks associated with inconsistent raw materials.
How can Alfa Chemistry support grain quality control programs?
Alfa Chemistry works with food manufacturers, agricultural companies, and research organizations to provide analytical support for grain quality management.
The laboratory can assist customers by:
The testing approach can be adjusted according to production processes, business requirements, and regulatory expectations.
What factors can affect grain quality during storage and transportation?
Grain quality can change throughout the supply chain due to environmental conditions, handling practices, and storage management.
Common factors that may influence quality include:
Regular quality assessment helps companies monitor changes over time and implement appropriate storage or processing strategies.
How can grain testing reports help food companies make decisions?
A professional grain testing report provides reliable information that supports quality assurance and supply chain management.
Companies can use analytical reports to:
Clear laboratory data allows technical and quality teams to make decisions based on objective evidence rather than visual inspection alone.
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"We used Alfa Chemistry for quality evaluation of grain materials supplied from multiple sources. The laboratory provided consistent analytical results that helped our purchasing and quality teams compare supplier performance. The detailed report was valuable for improving our raw material approval process."
Service Used: Grain Quality Evaluation & Raw Material Testing
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"Alfa Chemistry supported our grain quality verification before shipment to international customers. Their testing data helped us confirm product consistency and provide additional quality documentation during commercial discussions. The communication process was efficient, and the technical team was very responsive."
Service Used: Grain Quality Verification & Export Support
Agricultural Trading Company (Canada)
April 2025
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"We contacted Alfa Chemistry during a quality investigation involving stored grain materials. The laboratory analysis provided useful information for our technical team to evaluate the condition of the raw materials and review our storage management practices. The final report was clear and professionally prepared."
Service Used: Stored Grain Quality Assessment
Food Ingredient Manufacturer (Germany)
December 2024
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