CIPC contamination in grain stores

You should have done what everyone else does and lie/say I havent ever used it in that shed, either that or just put some plastic sheets up against the walls so the crop is "segregated" from the fabric of the store

Does that apply to feed cereals?

rob1 said:

You should have done what everyone else does and lie/say I havent ever used it in that shed, either that or just put some plastic sheets up against the walls so the crop is "segregated" from the fabric of the store

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We have at least 3 current stores used for "temporary storage" of grain which have also had CIPC used recently. During our last Assured Produce check we were told to put up CIPC signage.
I couldn't believe it when told of new grain storage rules. I suggested plastic sheeting or even fresh concrete if no longer using for spuds. Was told CIPC can still seep out!!
Are we really condemning 1000's of perfectly good stores just because no work has been done on MRL's??
Think I'll need to be very careful which samples of concrete/insulation I send off to be tested!!
It's fine to store grain in Cattle yards after a quick wash down. MADNESS!!

I want a revolution.

From http://assurance.redtractor.org.uk/resources/000/999/224/CROPS_newsletter_SEP14_web.1.pdf

@Bob lincs - relax! Do the risk assessment, having cleaned out the store. Assessment says no CIPC contamination. File away in the filing cabinet. Job done. YOU HAVE ASSESSED THE RISK AND TAKEN ALL REASONABLE STEPS TO MINIMISE THE RISK.

If you do actually test the store for CIPC & it comes back as being contaminated AND you do nothing about it THEN you are stuffed. How long ago was it last used for spuds? Who actually told you it was contaminated? What qualifications do they have to say so? Have they actually tested it or are they making a sweeping statement?

This is the most up to date data I can find for the actual testing. Note it may have altered since.

http://assurance.redtractor.org.uk/...ng_of_Store_Fabric_for_Residues__May_2012.pdf

Chlorpropham (CIPC) Sampling of Store Fabric for Residues Background Chlorpropham (CIPC) is used to inhibit the sprouting of potatoes. It is applied post-harvest to bulk or boxed potatoes by fogging in store. It is volatile at ambient temperatures and during treatment some of the chemical will be absorbed into the materials (e.g. wood, concrete) used in the construction of the building.
The more treatments that are applied, the greater can be the build- up. CIPC is quite stable and will persist in the structure for many years.
Issue:- Any store in which CIPC treatments have taken place or has contained CIPC treated potatoes for any period of time is extremely unlikely to be suitable for the future storage of crops where no approval for the use of CIPC exists. This is because the risk of CIPC contamination of the crop is extremely high and is likely to lead to illegal residues contaminating the stored crop.
Because CIPC is volatile, any stored crop can be contaminated from the atmosphere within the store without any necessity for physical contact with the floor or walls.
Vacuuming and steam cleaning a contaminated store may reduce the concentrations of CIPC on the materials that make up the structure of the store.
However, it will be extremely difficult to remove traces of CIPC that have penetrated into the fabric materials. In order to avoid the risk of having a valuable crop contaminated with CIPC it is essential to check the history of the store before use. If a comprehensive record of storage is not available and you cannot be sure that CIPC has not been used, then testing of the fabric of materials within the building must be carried out before any other crops are stored.

Sampling method for residue analysis
1. A sample can be made up from dust, chippings of concrete from the floor, scrapings from bricks, pointing mortar, slivers of wood from the fabric, plaster board, insulation material etc. Ensure hands are washed clean before the samples are taken.
2. About 10-15 grams is required for analysis (a pile in the palm of a hand), but it is vitally important that this is as representative as possible and made- up of random sub-samples taken from all around the store.
3. Contact your chosen analytical laboratory to check they can test for CIPC from fabric material and the cost. The analytical cost should be approximately £100 per sample.
4. Put the sample in small marked and sealed plastic freezer bag in an outer jiffy bag with your contact details and post to the laboratory. A number of analytical laboratories will be able to undertake this test. An example would be the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), Sand Hutton, York. YO32 9UW. Address for the attention of Ella Patel, email: [email protected]

Clive said:

i reckon if you sample you would find it ? in the stores at our old yard the insulation and concrete smelt of CICP many years after we had stopped storing spuds in them, it soaks into porous surfaces

the solution might be to seal insulation with a paint layer and concrete with a sealant maybe ?

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I may be wrong, but I am sure I read in one of the bits of bumf I came across searching for the above, that this was a no-no too

Perhaps I was being a bit flippant. Why is this appearing now? Has CIPC been found in grain?

llamedos said:

I may be wrong, but I am sure I read in one of the bits of bumf I came across searching for the above, that this was a no-no too

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Correct. Bitumen based sealants are a particular no-no especially in oilseed rape.

if I've only got one store suitable for wheat storage, can I put Mulika,sky fall and Crusoe in the same heap?

Am I right in thinking chloroproham was the most common herbicide used on sugar beet in the 60s70s and 80s.