Peanut Inspector Certification Practice Exam

What is the minimum sample weight an inspector should use when testing peanuts?

1. 1,000 grams

2. 1,500 grams

3. 1,800 grams

4. 2,000 grams

The correct answer is: 1,800 grams

The minimum sample weight an inspector should use when testing peanuts is crucial for ensuring that the results are accurate and representative of the entire lot. In peanut inspection, a sample weight of 1,800 grams is established as the standard because it strikes a balance between being sufficiently large to account for the variability within the batch and manageable for practical testing purposes. Using a sample weight that is too low can lead to skewed results and an inability to detect issues such as aflatoxin contamination or quality defects. Conversely, a sample weight that is excessively high may be impractical, causing challenges in logistics and analysis. Thus, the requirement for 1,800 grams helps to maintain consistency and reliability in testing procedures, aligning with industry standards for peanut inspection. This ensures that the findings are trustworthy, affecting everything from food safety to trade quality.