Peanuts

Moisture is one of the most critical factors influencing aflatoxin contamination in peanuts, especially during long-distance cargo shipments. Improper moisture control during storage and transport can significantly increase the risk of fungal growth, leading to elevated aflatoxin levels and potential rejection at destination ports.

What Are Aflatoxins?

They are toxic compounds produced by certain molds, particularly Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These molds thrive in warm, humid conditions, making peanuts—rich in oil and stored for long periods—especially vulnerable.

How Does Moisture Trigger Aflatoxin Growth?

• High Relative Humidity (RH) and excess moisture content in peanuts (above 7%) provide an ideal environment for mold growth. During Peanut shipment, especially over tropical routes, temperature variations inside containers can cause condensation, leading to localized moisture pockets. This microclimate promotes fungal development, increasing aflatoxin production even after harvest and pre-shipment testing.

• Critical Thresholds:
  Safe Moisture Content for Peanuts: Below 7%
  Critical Relative Humidity: Above 65% promotes mold growth
  Temperature Range Favoring Mold: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)

• Different countries impose strict maximum residue limits (MRLs) for aflatoxins in peanuts:
  European Union: Maximum 2 ppb (parts per billion) for Aflatoxin B1 and 4 ppb for total aflatoxins.
  United States: Maximum 20 ppb for total aflatoxins.
  China: Maximum 20 ppb total.
  India: Maximum 30 ppb total for exports.
  Exporters must ensure their peanut shipments comply with the destination country's MRLs to avoid rejection, penalties, or bans.
  For peanut exporters, managing aflatoxin levels is not just about product quality—it's about maintaining market access and protecting public health.

Moisture-Related Challenges In Peanut Shipments During Exports.

During export, moisture content has a significant impact on peanut quality and safety. Managing moisture levels presents several challenges that can impact both the marketability and compliance with international standards.

• Mold Growth and Aflatoxin Contamination
  High moisture levels create favorable conditions for molds, which produce aflatoxins during peanut shipments. Shipments contaminated with aflatoxins often face rejection at destination ports, resulting in financial losses.
• Spoilage and Quality Degradation
  Peanuts are particularly vulnerable to spoiling during exportation because of moisture, microbial development, and inappropriate storage. Mold, odd flavors, discolouration, and texture changes can result from high humidity and improper handling. Proper drying, packaging, and controlled transport conditions are essential to maintain quality throughout the peanut export process.
• Packaging and Storage Difficulties
  Moisture significantly affects packaging and storage during peanut shipments. High humidity can compromise packaging integrity, promote mold growth, and lead to aflatoxin contamination. Poor moisture control inside containers may result in condensation, spoilage, and reduced shelf life. Effective moisture barriers and enough ventilation are essential for halting the deterioration of peanut quality during transportation.
• Economic and Compliance Risks
  Improper moisture control during peanut shipments may lead to non-compliance with importing countries’ regulations. This can cause shipment delays, additional testing requirements, or complete rejection, impacting the exporter’s profitability and reputation.

How To Protect Peanuts From Moisture During Export?

Effective moisture control is essential to preserving the safety and quality of peanuts during export. Cargo desiccant bags offer a dependable and effective way to handle moisture-related problems during transportation.

• Superior Moisture Absorption Cargo desiccant bags effectively absorb excess humidity within shipping containers during peanut exports, preventing condensation and container rain. Reduces the risk of peanuts becoming soggy or developing mold during long journeys.
• Protection Against Mold and Aflatoxins Mold prevention is important in peanut container shipping. Maintaining a dry shipping environment inhibits the growth of molds, including aflatoxin-producing fungi, which are major concerns in peanut shipments. Using cargo desiccant bags helps meet strict international food safety standards and reduces the risk of shipment rejection.
• Quality Preservation Cargo desiccant bags play a vital role in preserving the quality of peanuts during export by effectively controlling moisture levels. By absorbing excess moisture, cargo desiccant bags stop mold growth, aflatoxin contamination, and spoiling. Peanuts maintain their texture, flavor, and nutritional content when kept in a dry environment. Using cargo desiccant bags helps meet international quality standards.
• Cost-Effective Solution Cargo desiccant bags provide a cost-effective way to protect peanuts during export by minimizing moisture-related damage. By preventing mold, spoilage, and packaging deterioration, cargo desiccant bags reduce product losses and avoid costly shipment rejections. Use of cargo desiccant bags ensures long-term savings while maintaining export quality standards.
• Easy to Use Cargo desiccant bags are simple to handle and require no special equipment for application during peanut shipments. Their design and flexible size make them easy to place inside containers, providing efficient moisture control without complicating the packing process.

Why Choose Us?

The cargo desiccant bag serves as a comprehensive solution for protecting peanut shipments from moisture-related damage by effectively controlling humidity inside the container. Desiccant bag for peanut export, significantly reduce the risk of spoilage, sogginess, insect infestation, and rancidity.

To safeguard peanuts from these export challenges, placing a cargo desiccant bag inside the container helps maintain a dry environment throughout the journey. Designed for ease of use, cargo desiccant bags can be hung or attached within the container for optimal moisture absorption. More than 250% of its weight in moisture and water vapor can be absorbed by each unit.

This cost-effective moisture control solution is ideal for preserving the quality of peanuts and other oilseed products during international shipping, minimizing potential losses and ensuring product integrity upon arrival.