The moisture content of barley to be bought by Maltsters

The prevention of mycotoxins in grain remains a strong food safety control, and maltsters are not complacent about the fact that compliance tests over several years have shown no problems in their malt.  Mould on grain has always been a reason for maltsters’ refusal of a delivery.  Such mould is either formed in the field, where prevention is under the growers control through good agronomy, or it can occur after harvest as a result of storing grain at certain temperature/moisture/time profiles.  The key control for the prevention of grain storage mycotoxins is to ensure that adverse conditions do not exist that can encourage the growth of certain moulds.  Maltsters make the following statement:

All cereals must be stored and managed in such a way as to minimise the risk of moulds that may produce mycotoxins. Grain should be below 14.5 per cent moisture and be dried in a way such that germination is not impaired. From November 1st grain above 14.5 per cent moisture may be accepted. This will be subject to individual maltsters' terms and conditions.

The MAGB moisture allowance scheme is fully operational ONLY for the period of harvest, which is deemed to end at October 31st each year.  Malting barley growers and suppliers attention is drawn to the following statements applicable for the next crop.

1) Harvest Intake Period (commencement of harvest to 31 October)
For deliveries with moisture content in excess of 19.0%, reference must be made to individual Maltsters' Terms and Conditions of Trade for allowances due for moisture and drying charges.

To view the Table of Allowances Click here.

2) Forward Intake Period (1 November onwards for the crop year)
For deliveries with moisture content in excess of 14.5%, reference must be made to individual Maltsters' Terms and Conditions of Trade for any drying charges that will be incurred.
The table of allowances for excess moisture content >15.0% will continue to apply.