Grade Analysis Submission

ONLINE GRADE ANALYSIS SUBMISSION FORM

Press the link below to complete and submit the form for testing. Also please download Grade Analysis Submission Instructions to accompany your sample during mailing.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT SHEA SAMPLES FOR TESTING

Include Paperwork with Sample

Download Grade Analysis Submission Instructions

INSTRUCTIONS AND FAQS ON SUBMITTING SHEA SAMPLES FOR GRADE ANALYSIS

Please review the following instructions and faqs, then proceed below to fill out online grade analysis submission form, print the form to include with samples and contact ASBI to provide payment for testing and grading.

ADDRESS FOR SHEA SAMPLE SUBMISSION

Attention:

Dr. Samuel Hunter, Client Services
American Shea Butter Institute
619 Wandering Court

Columbus, GA 31907

Tel: (706) 682-4982

email: dr.hunter@sheainstitute.com

PACKING AND LABELING REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADE ANALYSIS

Each sample should be packaged and shipped in airtight containers.  Plastic containers are highly recommended.  Packaging should be done to avoid leakage, in case the sample should melt in transit.

Do not use breakable containers, which may result in loss of sample or damage to sample in transit.  The Institute accepts no liability for samples not received, or received in damaged condition.

All samples should be labeled before you ship.  The Institute requires that you label each and every sample submitted.  Additionally, each sample must be clearly labeled with the name of the company for grade analysis.

You must also include the shipment date.  Unlabeled samples may be discarded.  The Institute assumes no responsibility for illegible or incorrectly labeled samples; if received in this condition, your sample may be discarded.

WHAT TESTS ARE PERFORMED IN THE GRADE ANALYSIS?

1.    MICROBIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS: Molds and Bacteria

2.    PHYSICAL ANALYSIS: Melting range, Butter Knife Test

3.    FREE FATTY ACID Determination

4.    IRON AND COPPER LEVELS Determination

5.    PEROXIDE LEVEL Determination

6.    SIZE OF THE NONSAPONIFIABLE FRACTION Determination

7.    VITAMIN LEVEL Determination

8.    Lead and Mercury

9.    Moisture and Debris

10.  CINNAMIC ACID VALUE Determination

11.  Triglycerides Profile

12.  Sterol Profile when necessary

13.  Fatty Acid Profile when necessary

WHAT IS THE TURNAROUND TIME FOR GRADE ANALYSIS?

Your analysis results, discussion and any recommendations will be available 2-3 weeks after your sample has been submitted for analysis. Expedited services are only available under special circumstances. Call for an appointment and time availability.

SUBMITTING MULTIPLE SAMPLES?

If you are submitting more than one sample, make sure that the label on each sample is marked with a different ID number. For example, 3 different samples should be labeled as Sample 1, Sample 2, Sample 3, etc.

You must complete questions 1-8 below, for each sample. Copy this page if necessary with answers to each of the following questions.

GRADE DETERMINATION

The calculation of the GRADE of your Shea Butter is based on results obtained from the above studies on your Shea Butter and then compared with standard values obtained from the historical analysis of many different Shea Butters, as performed by the American Shea Butter Institute.

The Final Grade maybe one of the following:

  • Grade “A” Premium Shea Butter
  • Grade”B”  Choice Shea Butter
  • Grade”C”  Common Shea Butter
  • Grade”F”  Shea Moisturizer

COST AND PAYMENT INFORMATION FOR GRADE ANALYSIS

What is the Cost for Grade Analysis?

The cost for Grade Analysis is $600 per sample.  The same amount should accompany the sample when submitted to the American Shea Butter Institute for Grade Analysis.  Samples received without this fee will not be tested until appropriate arrangements have been made.

How to Make Payment for Grade Analysis?

You may make payment by including in your shipment a check drawn on any US bank for the amount of $600 dollars for each sample submitted, or you may click below where it says Grading Analysis to pay by credit card. Sorry we do not accept foreign Checks

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