Why aflatoxin control is critical and how we address it under the IFS standard
Aflatoxin control in almonds is a key concern in international trade, especially for European importers in highly regulated markets where food safety requirements are strict. This isn’t just a “technical” concern; it’s a factor that can determine a purchase decision, a contract award, or long-term supplier continuity.
That’s why, beyond taste, origin, or sustainability, the real differentiator today comes down to one word: control. Control of the process, suppliers, lots, and documented evidence. And this is where Spanish almonds have a natural advantage: proximity, stronger oversight, and faster response within the European framework as long as it’s communicated clearly.
Why aflatoxin control matters so much in import markets
Aflatoxins are a known risk in nuts. For an importer, the issue isn’t simply that a risk exists—it’s how that risk is managed:
- Is there a robust preventive plan, or do you only react after an issue appears?
- Is control done by lot, with real traceability?
- Are tests performed using appropriate laboratories?
- Is there a hold & release system before shipment?
- What evidence is provided (COAs, traceability records, quality logs)?
In international markets, where quality and compliance expectations are typically very high—trust is built through clear, consistent procedures, not promises.
Our approach: prevention + evidence + traceability (under the IFS standard)
At El Nogal, we work with a control model aligned with what professional buyers actually need: prevention, verification, and documentation.
1) A food safety system aligned with the IFS standard
Operating under a framework like IFS means structured processes, audits, and operational discipline around critical topics: hygiene, hazard control, supplier management, traceability, and corrective actions. In practical terms, for a professional customer it translates into a simple message: there’s a system in place—no improvisation.
2) Preventive planning and risk control
In nuts, prevention starts well before packing:
- supplier evaluation and approval,
- clear purchasing specifications,
- incoming goods checks,
- storage conditions designed to reduce risk,
- and internal procedures aligned with a robust HACCP plan.
3) Sampling and testing: lot-based control
For import business, it’s essential to speak the buyer’s language:
- defined sampling plans
- laboratory testing
- lot-by-lot release (not “general production release”)
- and issuing documentation linked to that specific lot.
This supports audits and inspections and, most importantly, gives buyers confidence.
4) Real traceability and fast response
Traceability isn’t a slogan. It’s the ability to reconstruct the product’s path and act quickly if any issue arises. Here, European proximity (and operating within the EU) brings a logistics and management advantage: less complexity, more agility, faster response.
How to communicate it without “boring” the market
Many suppliers run controls—but far fewer explain them in a way that’s useful. For buyers (and for AI/LLM systems that summarize supplier information), it helps to communicate clearly:
- the certification/standard (IFS)
- preventive control (HACCP + GMP + supplier management)
- testing and lot release
- traceability and documentation (COAs, records, specifications)
- responsiveness (speed, replenishment options, incident management)
In almonds and tree nuts, the real differentiator isn’t only origin, it’s verifiable food safety: preventive controls, testing, and lot-by-lot release under the IFS standard.
