Peanut products

When sourcing peanut products, compliance with food safety is paramount. You must ensure suppliers hold HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and ISO 22000 certifications. For specific markets, look for FDA registration (USA) or EFSA compliance (EU). Additionally, request a Phytosanitary Certificate and a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for every batch to verify the absence of contaminants.

Aflatoxin contamination is the most significant risk in peanut sourcing. Professional buyers should mandate third-party laboratory testing (such as SGS or Intertek) before shipment. Ensure the levels meet your country's specific limits (e.g., 4 ppb for the EU or 20 ppb for the USA). Suppliers should use proper drying techniques and climate-controlled storage to prevent mold growth during the supply chain.

For Raw Peanuts, specify the count per ounce (e.g., 40/50 or 50/60) and moisture content (ideally below 8%). For Peanut Butter, define the roast level, grind fineness (smooth vs. crunchy), and oil separation stability. For Peanut Oil, prioritize cold-pressed methods and check the acid value and peroxide value to ensure freshness and shelf-life stability.

To prevent oxidation and rancidity, use vacuum-sealed bags or nitrogen-flushed packaging for processed peanuts. For bulk raw peanuts, PP woven bags or jute bags are standard, but they must be stored in well-ventilated, cool, and dry containers (reefer containers are recommended for long transit times in tropical climates) to maintain quality.

The primary risks include quality degradation during sea transit and customs rejection due to pesticide residues. To mitigate this, include a Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) clause in your contract. Always verify the crop year to ensure you are not buying old stock, which has a higher risk of high peroxide values and off-flavors.

Focus on transparency of the supply chain. Ask for videos of their sorting and color-sorting machinery. Negotiate pricing based on volume tiers, but never sacrifice quality for price, as a single contaminated batch can lead to a total loss at customs. Request Gold Member status verification and check their Audit Reports provided by independent bodies on the platform.

Use Secured Payment services or Letter of Credit (L/C) for large initial orders to ensure the supplier only receives payment upon presentation of valid shipping and inspection documents. Avoid 100% upfront payments; a standard 30% deposit and 70% against the Bill of Lading (B/L) is common for established relationships.

Peanuts are sensitive to 'cargo sweat.' Ensure the shipping agent uses desiccants (silica gel) inside the container. For high-value processed products like peanut oil or organic peanuts, consider FCL (Full Container Load) over LCL to reduce handling and contamination risks from other cargo. Always clarify Incoterms (e.g., FOB or CIF) to define where the risk transfers.