In the global food trade, quality defines trust. When it comes to hazelnut exports, every buyer, whether a confectionery manufacturer in Italy or a snack brand in Dubai, demands consistent size, taste, purity, and safety. That’s where strict quality control and laboratory testing become the backbone of a reliable supply chain.

At Tamila Agrifood, we go beyond visual sorting. Every batch of hazelnuts we export undergoes scientific laboratory testing, sensory evaluation, and certification in accordance with ISO, HACCP, and EU food safety standards. This ensures that each shipment delivers the freshness, flavor, and purity that premium global buyers expect.

1. Why Quality Control Is Critical in Hazelnut Exports?

Hazelnuts are highly sensitive to moisture, temperature, and microbial contamination. Poor handling or inadequate testing can lead to:

•    Aflatoxin contamination (toxic mold)

•    Rancid or oxidized flavor

•    Color defects and broken kernels

•    Reduced shelf life

To avoid these risks, professional exporters must establish multi-step quality control systems, ensuring that hazelnuts remain safe, clean, and flavorful from farm to container.

At Tamila Agrifood, we have designed a 5-stage quality control framework that integrates modern lab testing with real-time traceability.

2. Tamila Agrifood’s 5-Stage Quality Control Framework

Stage 1 – Farm-Level Pre-Inspection

Before harvesting begins, our agronomists inspect hazelnut orchards across the Caspian and Aras regions to evaluate:

•    Tree health and pest management

•    Fertilizer and irrigation records

•    Harvest timing and drying methods

Only farms following Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) are approved for procurement.

Stage 2 – Raw Material Selection & Sorting

After harvesting, hazelnuts are cleaned and sorted based on:

•    Kernel size and weight

•    Shell integrity

•    Moisture levels (<5%)

Automated optical sorters and hand graders ensure that only uniform, defect-free kernels move to processing.

Stage 3 – Laboratory Testing & Microbiological Analysis

This stage defines the technical foundation of our export standards. Every lot is tested for:

•    Aflatoxin (B1, B2, G1, G2): Ensuring compliance with EU Regulation (1881/2006).

•    Moisture Content: Must remain below 5% to prevent fungal growth.

•    Peroxide Value: Evaluates freshness and resistance to rancidity.

•    Microbial Load: Tests for E. coli, Salmonella, and yeast/mold presence.

•    Oil Content: Indicates flavor richness and kernel maturity.

All tests are conducted in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories, and results are shared transparently with buyers before shipment.

Stage 4 – Packaging & Pre-Export Inspection

Each export consignment is visually inspected and tested for:

•    Clean packaging conditions

•    Absence of foreign materials

•    Proper vacuum or nitrogen sealing

•    Label compliance with buyer specifications

Hazelnuts are packed in multi-layer kraft bags or vacuum-sealed cartons to preserve freshness during ocean transit.

Stage 5 – Post-Export Feedback & Continuous Improvement

Once the product reaches the buyer, Tamila Agrifood collects feedback and compares it with laboratory data. This feedback loop helps maintain consistent quality and traceability across global shipments.

3. Key Laboratory Tests for Hazelnut Quality

A truly premium hazelnut must pass several technical benchmarks before export. Here are the most important quality tests we conduct:

1. Moisture & Water Activity Test:

Ensures kernels remain below the safe limit (≤5%), preventing microbial growth.

2. Aflatoxin Analysis:

Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites produced by molds like Aspergillus flavus. We test every batch using HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) or ELISA to guarantee compliance with EU and FDA limits.

3. Fat & Peroxide Value Test:

Determines the freshness of the oil content—fresh hazelnuts have a peroxide value under 10 meq O₂/kg.

4. Sensory Evaluation:

Trained inspectors assess flavor, aroma, texture, and color to detect off-notes or rancidity.

5. Foreign Matter Screening:

X-ray and metal detectors ensure kernels are 100% clean and free from physical contaminants.

4. International Certifications & Compliance

To meet diverse import regulations across global markets, Tamila Agrifood maintains the following certifications and documentation:

•    ISO 22000:2018 – Food Safety Management System

•    HACCP – Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points

•    Halal Certification – For Middle East and Islamic markets

•    Organic Certification (upon request) – For EU and U.S. buyers

•    Phytosanitary Certificate – For customs clearance and plant health control

•    Certificate of Origin – Verified by the Iranian Chamber of Commerce

These certifications guarantee that each shipment meets international traceability and hygiene standards, simplifying customs clearance in major markets.

5. Buyer Confidence Through Transparency

In global B2B trade, transparency is the key to building trust. Tamila Agrifood provides:

•    Laboratory test reports for every batch before dispatch

•    Photographic and video inspection proofs upon request

•    Pre-shipment samples for product verification

•    Traceability codes linked to farm origin and harvest season

This level of transparency not only satisfies food safety authorities but also gives our buyers a competitive edge in their markets.

6. Maintaining Quality During Transit

Even the best-quality hazelnuts can degrade if exposed to humidity or high temperatures during shipping. That’s why we use:

•    Temperature-controlled containers (if required)

•    Vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed packaging

•    Desiccant bags inside cartons

•    Real-time container tracking systems

These measures preserve the fresh, nutty aroma and natural crunch of our hazelnuts until they reach your facility.

7. Tamila Agrifood’s Commitment to Excellence

At Tamila Agrifood, we believe that excellence is not achieved through inspection alone—it’s built into every step of production and handling. Our goal is to make every buyer feel confident that they are importing a product as pure, safe, and flavorful as the day it was harvested.

Whether you are importing for a food brand, bakery, or snack production facility, our team ensures that each consignment exceeds international expectations.

Conclusion

Quality control and laboratory testing aren’t optional in the hazelnut export business—they are the foundation of brand reputation and customer trust. With advanced testing, strict process monitoring, and world-class certifications, Tamila Agrifood ensures that every kernel shipped meets the highest international standards.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner in hazelnut exports—one that prioritizes safety, freshness, and traceability—look no further.

Tamila Agrifood stands ready to deliver excellence, batch after batch, container after container.

Email:  tamilaagrifood@gmail.com

Phone / WhatsApp:  +989141858935