To prevent contamination, treated grain storage and transport surfaces should be properly cleaned before coming into contact with newly harvested grain.
The department may carry out an investigation if chemical residues are detected in grain, fruit, vegetables or livestock.
Prior to harvest, any surface that has been in contact with treated seed, treated fertiliser or sprayed with an agricultural chemical product as a structural treatment, should be decontaminated using high pressure cleaners with a specialised detergent. Specialised detergents are available from your local reseller.
Surfaces may include:
- silos
- augers
- trucks
- trailers
- field bins
- chaser bins
- grain sheds
- grain shovels.
Farmers should monitor use of seed protection chemicals and ensure appropriate risk management practices are in place.
What do you need to do?
- Read and ensure you understand and comply with the chemical product label.
- Only use registered/permitted products that are approved for use on the seed or structure being treated.
- Do not exceed the maximum rate or frequency of application.
- Observe all label precautions/constraints, especially the withholding period.
- Talk to your seed cleaner, reseller, consultant or product manufacturer to obtain specific advice regarding decontamination of grain handling equipment prior to harvest.
- Clearly mark and separate treated seed from clean harvested grain and livestock to ensure mistakes do not occur during busy periods such as harvest.