Handling & Shipping Peanuts in Mesh Bags with Produce

I recently started a new position as Director of Food Safety with my first objective being to work on obtaining SQF certification. One of the biggest challenges that I have not had before is that one of the products we carry is 50# sacks of peanuts in mesh bags. For receiving the bags come in on pallets and are pallet wrapped pretty well.  For storage I should be able to segregate them in a section of racking where they will be the only product there.  The biggest issue I am having trouble with is order pulling and shipping on the delivery trucks with other products (produce, jarred products and boxed dry goods).  In some cases we may ship entire pallets of peanuts but in others there may be one or two bags on a truck. Any help on how others have approached this is greatly appreciated.

I would place the single 50# bags of peanuts in plastic garbage backs, if they are on a pallet with other allergens or non-allergens. We do the same thing with that sort of thing or when we are shipping chemicals on a pallet with food items. I hope that helps.

Work with a box manufacturer who can get you a double wall cardboard box big enough to contain the sack of peanuts.  I don't like that in modern times the peanut processors are still doing this as a practice, but I'm guessing there's a reason for wanting the peanuts in a breathable sack to prevent mycotoxins that might occur if the peanuts were sealed.

Our client in Virginia places the mesh bags in bright red outer bags that are marked, Allergen/Peanuts. The outer bag is sewn shut.  Instructions for opening, etc are on the outside of the bag.  Works for them nicely.

Our client in Virginia places the mesh bags in bright red outer bags that are marked, Allergen/Peanuts. The outer bag is sewn shut.  Instructions for opening, etc are on the outside of the bag.  Works for them nicely.

Thanks Glenn. We worked together at a seafood plant in Hampton VA.  Is there somewhere I can get more info on the red bags?