A Guide for Importers: Navigating EU Aflatoxin Regulations for Indian Peanut Butter
European buyers need consistency, documentation, and clean-label manufacturing. Here’s how to evaluate suppliers in India—and how Vital Morsel ensures EU-compliant peanut butter for your market.
Among peanut products, aflatoxin control is the single most important safety requirement in the EU. This guide explains EU limits, typical export challenges, and what a compliant manufacturing program looks like—so you can choose suppliers with confidence.
What Are Aflatoxins?
Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins from Aspergillus species that can grow on peanuts in warm, humid conditions. Excess exposure is a health risk, which is why the EU enforces very strict maximum limits in foods, including peanut butter.
EU Aflatoxin Standards for Peanut Butter
Under EU rules (e.g., Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006 and later amendments), these are the typical maximum levels for peanuts and their products:
| Aflatoxin Type | Maximum Allowed (µg/kg) |
|---|---|
| B1 (most significant) | 2.0 |
| Total (B1 + B2 + G1 + G2) | 4.0 |
Common Export Challenges (and Why Batches Get Stuck)
- Inconsistent farm-level practices and drying methods
- Insufficient pre-export testing and documentation
- Moisture management gaps during roasting/storage
- Non-traceable lots and missing retained samples
How Vital Morsel Ensures EU Compliance
- Verified sourcing: procurement from audited farms with sustainable practices
- Tight moisture control: during roasting and storage to limit fungal risk
- Lab testing: mandatory aflatoxin tests by NABL-accredited laboratories
- Complete traceability: batch codes, retained reference samples
- Food-safety frameworks: processes aligned with ISO 22000 & HACCP principles
Why Importers Choose Compliance-Ready Manufacturers
A partner who understands EU documentation—lab certificates, labels, packing lists, and border procedures—reduces your risk and speeds up market entry. Our export team is trained to manage shipment paperwork and testing protocols efficiently.