Safeguarding Cereals Against Allergens 

Tip #4: Store Your Crop Properly

Maintaining a reputation for clean, safe grain is essential for both domestic and international markets. Shipments contaminated with allergenic grains can lead to costly rejections, recalls and long‑term damage to market confidence. Unintentional mingling of allergenic grains with cereals is a concern for export markets and must be actively managed. 

Certain crop types can be allergen sources in our export markets. When these crops are unintentionally mixed with cereals, they can pose serious food safety and market access risks.  

Common allergen sources in grain exports include: 

• Mustard  

• Soy  

• Buckwheat  

Buckwheat is considered highly allergenic, and even very small amounts mixed into wheat, barley or oats can cause severe reactions in some markets. Because of these risks, many export markets apply strict limits for allergenic material in cereal shipments. 

How allergens can contaminate grain 

Allergen contamination most often occurs through shared equipment and handling systems rather than in the field. 

Common sources include: 

• Residues left in combines, grain carts or augers after harvesting allergenic crops 

• Trucks, rail cars or containers previously used to haul other grain types 

• Shared storage bins without thorough cleaning 

• Mixing grain lots during handling or transport 

Without careful cleaning and transportation, allergenic material can remain in equipment and be carried into subsequent cereal deliveries. 

Best practices to reduce allergen risk in storage and transport 

Effective allergen control starts with planning and disciplined handling practices. 

Thorough equipment cleaning 

If allergenic crops have been harvested, dedicate extra time to cleaning combines grain carts, trucks, conveyors and storage bins before handling cereals such as wheat, barley or oats. 

Segregation during storage and transport 

• Use separate storage bins for allergenic and non‑allergenic crops whenever possible 

• Ensure trucks and rail cars are thoroughly cleaned before loading cereals especially if they previously carried mustard, soy or buckwheat 

Documentation and communication 

• Maintain detailed records of crop rotations, storage bin use and cleaning procedures, where practical 

• Talk to your grain buyers about your rotations, storage systems and handling practices 

Clear documentation and communication help buyers manage risk and protect market access. Contaminated shipments can lead to costly rejections, recalls and risks to industry credibility.

FAQs