An official website of the United States government.
1. To develop a theory of subsampling variance, relating subsample size and particle distribution. 2. To compare US and European methods of preparing subsamples by grinding samples. To collect such ground samples and physically characterize their particle distributions. 3. To measure aflatoxin distributions in such samples and compare them with theory.
Extend the present theory of sample variance to subsamples, using subsample size and particle distribution instead of nut distribution. Compare, by inspection, current US methods of subsample preparation (dry grinding, grinding with dry ice) to new European methods using water slurries. Collect such subsamples, characterize particle size distributions from x-ray images. Measure the aflatoxin distribution among subsamples and establish how fine a grind is needed to obtain uniformity. Compare with theory. Report to sponsoring organization (Calif. Pistachio Commission) and publish in peer-reviewed literature. Documents Trust with California Pistachio Commission.
Log 16953. Formerly 5325-42000-030-04T (05/01).