Nuts and seeds have been a part of human and animal diets for centuries, and with good reason. Nuts and seeds are not only delicious, but offer consumers a nutrient-dense boost of energy as a solo snack or as ingredients in countless recipes both savory and sweet. Chock full of vitamins and minerals, nuts have been found to contain antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiproliferative (meaning they may prevent or slow the spread of tumorous cells) properties.
But despite all these stellar factors, the principle ‘good things don’t come easy’ also applies. Nut production and distribution comes with its own share of challenges as the demand for wholesale nuts continues to soar globally.
What are some of the health and safety concerns faced by bulk nut suppliers? Let’s take a look!
Controlling Nuts in Food Processing
Food allergies can lead to several potential symptoms in different individuals, varying in levels of intensity and severity. Peanuts in particular receive a lot of press, as they are one of the most common allergies among children and have been named as the source of numerous fatal allergic reactions.
Since peanuts and tree nuts are both listed in the “Big 9” list of major food allergens, leaders in the nut production and distribution industry must adhere to the strictest of standards to ensure the health and safety of those who may encounter their products.
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 and the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research Act of 2021 any of the nine foods or foods containing them as ingredients be labeled by their common name in the ingredients list or a separate “Contains” statement.
The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Preventive Controls for Food requires manufacturers of nuts and products containing nuts to have a written food safety plan. All potential hazards are identified and evaluated in the plan, and preventive controls are implemented to ensure the safety of the public.
In addition to marked labels on all items with allergens, nut manufacturers must ask questions about the risk of an allergen like a nut having cross-contact with other ingredients. All supplier allergen controls must be confirmed. Communication with suppliers must continue throughout the course of future production to ensure that all safety standards and allergen management plans for followed.
Nut Contamination and Cross-Contamination
Nut allergen management plans also include assessing whether products with nuts are made on any shared equipment to avoid cross-contamination. In the world of material handling, contamination is defined as the presence of a foreign matter in the transferred material. This can cover everything from biological contaminants like mold or viruses, chemical contaminants like cleaning products, or physical contaminants like glass or metal shards. Whatever the contaminant may be, catastrophic health and safety consequences can result in the final product.
Contamination can happen in just about any food processing facility; however, the high oil content of nuts makes them especially vulnerable as they can leave residue on a conveyer belt, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Proper cleaning procedures are always imperative as a bulk nut supplier.
Cross-contamination happens when materials come into contact with other materials that are not part of the final product. It may occur on a shared conveyor belt or due to spills.
Contamination and cross-contamination, especially with common allergens like peanuts and tree nuts, can lead to recalls, product waste, and extensive damage to a company’s reputation. For example, the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) experienced a massive Salmonella outbreak in 2009 with the CDC reporting 714 total cases of illness. That company went bankrupt.
Wholesale Nuts You Can Feel Good About
Manufacturing and distributing nuts can indeed present challenges. The solution to any issues a bulk nut supplier may face is developing a safety plan and system and sticking to it without cutting corners.
Knowing the health and safety of our employees and consumers is at stake leads Weaver Nut Company to operate under stringent guidelines. Wholesale nuts have been our passion since we began as a small business in 1975. Weaver Nut Company takes pride in sourcing quality wholesale nuts, carefully selected from trusted sources.
We have never wavered from our commitment to providing fresh, quality nuts. Our bulk wholesale nuts are hard to beat. We offer exotic nuts, classic standbys, and nuts covered in all kinds of delectable coverings.
Our selection of nuts is available raw, in the shell, roasted, or honey roasted. We invite you to explore our offerings and give us a chance to show you why we’ve gained a reputation for excellence!