Brookings, South Dakota, USA
January 15, 2013

SGS Brookings has attained the status as a National Oilseed Processor’s Association Official Referee Laboratory. The National Oilseed Processor’s Association (NOPA) is a dedicated program that certifies labs for referee analysis of soybean meal quality during the purchase and sale of soybean meal. SGS Brookings is now one of 14 labs in the US and Canada to attain this certification.

The NOPA was established in 1939 and represents oilseed crushers of soybean, canola, flaxseed, safflower and sunflower seed. The association sets quality standards and trading rules for soybean meal and other soy products. Upon transaction, quality deficiencies may arise between soybean meal buyers and sellers. Sellers may request that a reference sample be run by a NOPA referee laboratory to determine the soybean quality and claim settlement. SGS Brookings will use testing methods adopted by the American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) as the official methods of analysis to determine moisture, protein, crude fiber, and oil in the referee samples.

Requirements for Official Referee Laboratories include an AOCS Approved Chemist on staff and satisfactory participation in a laboratory proficiency program. Angela Carlson, Analytical Lab Manager at SGS Brookings, is recognized as the approved chemist for the program. The laboratory applied for NOPA approval to better meet the needs of SGS customers in the United States. SGS Brookings is proficient in the use of AOCS methodologies for the analysis of soybean meal protein, fiber, fat and moisture.

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 70,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,350 offices and laboratories around the world.

Website: http://www.sgsgroup.us.com/en/Agriculture-Food/Seed-and-Crop.aspx

Published: January 15, 2013