Why are peanuts bitter?
Recently, the issue of peanuts being bitter has sparked widespread discussion on social media and health forums. Many consumers reported that the peanuts they purchased tasted bitter when eaten, and even caused throat discomfort. This article will combine hot topics and data analysis on the Internet in the past 10 days to analyze the causes, hazards and countermeasures of bitter peanuts.
1. Common causes of bitter peanuts

| Cause classification | Specific performance | Proportion (sampled data) |
|---|---|---|
| Mildew produces aflatoxin | Improper storage leads to mildew and obvious bitter taste | 68% |
| Variety characteristics | Some varieties naturally contain bitter substances | 12% |
| Processing contamination | Oil oxidation or chemical residues | 15% |
| Taste differences | Individuals have different sensitivity to bitter tastes | 5% |
2. Hazard data of aflatoxin
| Hazard type | specific impact | International standard limit |
|---|---|---|
| acute toxicity | May cause liver failure | ≤20μg/kg (Chinese standard) |
| Carcinogenicity | Category 1 carcinogen | Not allowed to be detected (EU standard) |
| Teratogenicity | Affect fetal development | ≤15ppb (US standard) |
3. How to identify problem peanuts
1.Appearance inspection:There are often green or black mold spots on the surface of moldy peanuts and obvious shrinkage.
2.Odor identification:Normal peanuts have a delicate aroma, while moldy peanuts have a musty or musty smell.
3.Taste test:If a bitter taste persists after chewing a small amount, spit it out immediately.
4.Brand traceability:Brands that have received a lot of complaints recently need special attention.
4. Consumer response guide
| scene | Handling suggestions | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Before buying | Choose vacuum-packed, recently produced products | Article 34 of the Food Safety Law |
| When eating | Stop eating immediately if you notice a bitter taste | Article 11 of the Consumer Rights Protection Law |
| Ways to protect rights | Keep the evidence and file a complaint to 12315 | Article 40 of the Product Quality Act |
5. Latest Industry Trends
According to recent random inspection data from the State Administration for Market Regulation (July 2023):
| Random inspection items | Failure rate | Main questions |
|---|---|---|
| Aflatoxin B1 | 3.2% | Exceeding the standard by 2-8 times |
| Acid price exceeds standard | 1.8% | Grease deterioration |
| peroxide value | 2.1% | Improper storage |
6. Expert advice
1. Peanuts stored at home should be sealed and refrigerated, with a shelf life of no more than 3 months.
2. It is recommended to buy shelled peanuts and peel them yourself to ensure freshness.
3. Do not continue to eat peanuts that have a bitter taste. Aflatoxin is resistant to high temperatures and cannot be removed by cooking.
4. Special groups of people (pregnant women, patients with liver disease) should strictly avoid eating suspicious peanut products.
From the above analysis, it can be seen that the bitterness of peanuts is mainly a food safety issue. Consumers need to improve their identification capabilities, and the industry also needs to strengthen quality control. If you encounter related problems, please promptly safeguard your rights through formal channels.
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