Cashew Inspection

Service Background

Cashew Inspection is a pivotal link in the supply chain, designed to ensure stringent control over the quality, food safety, and packaging specifications of each shipment before circulation or export.

Vinacontrol’s services assist businesses in: 

• Mitigating risks regarding damaged kernels, moisture content, mold, live pests, and toxic chemical residues.
• Complying with the stringent requirements of key markets such as the USA (AFI), EU, China, Japan, and the Middle East.
• Verifying credibility through independent inspection certificates, which serve as a legal basis for payment and customs clearance.
• Protecting corporate interests by minimizing trade disputes and losses during international transit.

Vinacontrol accompanies with enterprises to inspect a diverse range of products, including Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN), Cashew Kernels (W240, W320, WS, LP, etc.), salt-roasted cashews, and deep-processed cashew products.

When is Cashew Inspection Required? 

• Prior to the execution of sales contracts or transfer of ownership.
• Before and during the process of stuffing, loading into containers, loading onto vessels, or lead sealing.
• Upon arrival at the port of destination (Discharging Inspection) to verify the actual condition after transit.
• When trade disputes arise regarding quality, quantity, Kernel Outturn Ratio (KOR) (for RCN), or damage due to external factors.
• Upon request from regulatory authorities or banks for credit/customs purposes.
• When exporting to markets that mandate an independent Certificate of Inspection.

Applicable Standards

Vinacontrol performs cashew inspections in compliance with national and international standard systems:

• AFI Standards (Association of Food Industries): The global benchmark for Cashew Kernel specifications.
• TCVN 4850:2010: Cashew Kernels – Technical requirements.
• TCVN 12363:2018: Raw Cashew Nuts – Technical requirements and test methods.
• QCVN 8-1:2011/BYT: National technical regulation on the limits of mycotoxin contamination in food.
• QCVN 8-2:2011/BYT: National technical regulation on the limits of heavy metal contamination in food.
• QCVN 8-3:2012/BYT: National technical regulation on microbiological contamination in food.
• ISO 6478: Cashew Kernels – Specification.

Scope of Services

With nearly 70 years of experience in inspecting Raw Cashew Nuts and export-grade Cashew Kernels, Vinacontrol provides independent, objective, and professional inspection solutions.
1. Quantity and Weight Inspection

• Tallying the number of packages/bags and verifying gross and net weight.
• Supervising the weighing process at weighbridges or individual bag weighing.
• Stringent supervision of stuffing, loading, and sealing processes.

2. Quality Inspection

Sensory & Grading Parameters: Assessment of color, flavor, uniformity, kernel yield, Outturn (KOR), and cashew kernel quality.

Physico-chemical Parameters: 

• Moisture Content: Monitoring to prevent mold growth and rancidity.
• Acid Value (AV) & Peroxide Value (PV): Evaluating the oxidation levels of fats within the cashews.
• Microbiological Parameters: Testing for the presence of Salmonella, E. coli, Coliforms, and Yeast/Mold.
• Mycotoxins: Analysis of Aflatoxin levels (B1, B2, G1, G2) – a critical parameter for EU exports.
• Pesticide Residues: Screening for more than 300 active ingredients, including fumigants or residual pesticides.

3. Packaging, Packing, and Marking Inspection

4. Loading/Unloading Supervision

5. Warehouse Supervision

6. Damage Survey and Loss Adjustment

7. Auxiliary Services: 

• Cashew Fumigation
• Valuation / Appraisal
• Collateral Management