(a) The secretary of agriculture or the authorized representative of the secretary may sample any commodity contained in a licensed warehouse whenever indications of quality problems with the potential of causing a loss of value are observed. Observations indicating the following may serve as the basis for the sample provided for by this section: (1) Odor consistent with spoiled or rotten grain; (2) insect damage; (3) distinct discoloration of the kernels; (4) insect webbing; (5) sprouting from the kernels; (6) crust on the top layer of the grain; or (7) any other evidence consistent with grain quality.

(b) If obtaining the sample requires the assistance of the warehouseman, that assistance shall be provided within a reasonable time of the request of the secretary or the secretary’s authorized representative.

(c) Upon obtaining a sample, the secretary or the authorized representative of the secretary shall make the sample available to the warehouseman for review.

(d) If after examination of the sample or samples a quality problem is still suspected the secretary may:

(1) Order the warehouseman to have all commodities suspected of quality problems sampled and officially graded in a manner sufficient to accurately determine the nature and extent of the problem;

(2) arrange for the sampling and grading of the suspected commodities, if the warehouseman fails to do so within the time ordered by the secretary and assess the costs to the warehouseman; and

(3) order the warehouseman to take immediate management and handling steps in response to the quality problem.

(e) Any failure by a warehouseman to maintain grain quality, comply with any order of the secretary related to quality or to remit funds to cover sampling and grading costs shall be deemed a violation of the provisions of article 2 of chapter 34 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.

(f) The provisions of this section shall be part of and supplemental to article 2 of chapter 34 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated, and amendments thereto.