Grain Law and Legal Definition
The Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) of U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) Grain Inspection, Packers and Stockyards Administration provides inspection, weighing, and related services on grains, pulses, oilseeds, and processed and graded commodities.
Under the United States Grain Standards Act, the following services are mandatory:
* Official weighing of most grain exported from the
United States and of inter company barge grain received at export port
locations.
* Official inspection of most grain exported from
the United States.
* Testing of all corn exported from the United States
for aflatoxin prior to shipment, unless the contract stipulates that testing
is not required.
Official inspection and weighing of U.S. grain in domestic commerce are not mandatory and are performed upon request by authorized States and private agencies. These official agencies employ personnel licensed by FGIS to provide official services. States may also regulate the grain produced in the state to ensure fair trade practices and health standards.
