996.30—Incoming quality standards.
(a)
All farmers stock peanuts received or acquired by a handler shall be officially inspected by the Inspection Service, and certified as to segregation, moisture content, and foreign material.
(b) Moisture.
Domestic and imported peanuts shall be dried to 18 percent or less prior to inspection and to 10.49 percent or less prior to storing or milling: Provided, That Virginia-type peanuts used for seed shall be dried to 18 percent or less prior to inspection and to 11.49 percent or less prior to storing or milling.
(c) Foreign material.
No handler or importer shall receive or acquire farmers stock peanuts for subsequent disposition to human consumption outlets containing more than 10.49 percent foreign material, except that peanuts having a higher foreign material content may be received or acquired if they are held separately until milled, or moved over a sand-screen before storage, or shipped directly to a plant for prompt shelling. The term sand-screen means any type of farmers stock cleaner which removes sand and dirt.
(d)
A handler may receive or acquire any peanuts from other persons for edible and non-edible use: Provided, That such peanuts intended for human consumption are inspected and certified pursuant to § 996.31 prior to such disposition. Non-edible uses may include, but are not limited to, seed, oilstock, animal feed, bird seed, or for export.