Eurofins Grain Inspection vs Official Agencies

1. What type of certificate will I receive?

Eurofins: You’ll receive a third-party, independent grade certificate issued by Eurofins. This certificate reflects unbiased results and is accepted across many commercial domestic channels.

Official Agency: Provides an official USDA certificate, which is federally recognized and sometimes required for specific transactions or export purposes.

2. How are inspectors trained and qualified?

Eurofins: Inspectors are licensed where required and undergo rigorous, ongoing training to stay current with industry standards, testing protocols, and customer service expectations.

Official Agency: Inspectors are licensed under the United States Grain Standards Act and follow USDA-mandated training protocols.

3. How is accuracy ensured through cross-checks?

Eurofins: We conduct both internal and external cross-check programs. Each day, our team selects a sample and sends it to an official agency or another 3rd party for verification like proficiency testing. This ensures our results remain aligned with industry benchmarks.

Official Agency: Cross-check programs are in place, typically dictated by FGIS regulations, though the frequency and transparency may vary.

4. What test methods and equipment are used?

Eurofins: We follow USDA-FGIS regulations for test methods and equipment standards. However, as a third-party testing organization, Eurofins invests in advanced technologies that improve speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

• Test Methods: USDA-recognized methods for grain grading, mycotoxin detection, NIR analysis (protein, oil, moisture), glyphosate, non-GMO, and more.
• Equipment: We use FGIS-prescribed instruments and incorporate validated non-FGIS-approved tools with strict internal QC protocols to enhance performance.

Official Agency: Bound to USDA-FGIS approved methods and equipment only, which may limit flexibility and innovation.

5. How quickly can inspections be scheduled?

Eurofins: We offer on-call availability within 24 hours, including weekends. Our flexible staffing model ensures consistent service regardless of season or location.

Official Agency: Availability depends on the specific agency and region. Scheduling can vary, especially during peak harvest times.

6. How many people are sent for inspection?

Eurofins: We send trained grain inspectors who handle the full scope: sample collection, grading, testing, and certificate delivery. Staffing is tailored to the assignment which is based on load rate, number of cars, and required testing.

Official Agency: Some agencies may send only samplers, which can delay grading and results. Others may send multiple individuals, depending on their internal structure. Sending multiple people could lead to additional costs.

7. What tests and services are available?

Eurofins: In addition to standard grain grading for corn, soybean and wheat, we offer:

• Mycotoxin testing
• Falling number
• NIR analysis (protein, oil, moisture)
• Glyphosate and non-GMO screening
• Soybean Meal (SBM) referee testing
• Stowage, Weights
• Grain Grading training
• Access to over 200,000 validated methods across the Eurofins laboratory network

Official Agency: Typically limited to immediate grain inspection and basic contaminant testing.

8. How fast is certificate turnaround?

Eurofins: Same-day turnaround is standard, especially when all testing is performed onsite.

Official Agency: Timing can vary depending on agency processes and whether testing is outsourced.

9. Is staffing flexible during peak seasons?

Eurofins: Yes. We maintain a redundant network and flexible staffing model to meet demand during harvest and busy periods. We also offer onsite support for specialized testing like mycotoxins.

Official Agency: May lack onsite testing capabilities, which can delay certificate issuance. This could also lead to a delay in grading cars which could cost loaders significant demurrage costs.

10. Are standard operating procedures in place?

Eurofins: Yes. Our labs follow detailed SOPs and maintain robust quality systems to ensure consistency, compliance, and traceability.

Official Agency: Not publicly specified.

11. What is the average inspector experience?

Eurofins: Our rail inspectors average over 12 years of experience in the field.

Official Agency: Average tenure not publicly available.

12. Is destination support or regrading included?

Eurofins: Single factor regrades are complimentary. Unloads/reloads may incur a charge.

Official Agency: Destination support typically comes at an additional cost.

13. What kind of customer service can I expect?

Eurofins: Customer service training is integrated into inspector qualifications. Our team is trained to communicate clearly, professionally, and responsively.

Official Agency: Customer service standards are not publicly defined.

14. Where is service available?

Eurofins: We have a broad, redundant network across the Midwest, allowing us to serve clients reliably wherever they operate.

Official Agency: Bound to designated territories, which may limit flexibility.

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