What should be done if mold is detected during inspection?

When mold is detected during an inspection, it is crucial to prioritize food safety and quality. The most appropriate action is to remove and properly dispose of the affected peanuts. This step is essential because mold can produce mycotoxins, which are harmful to human health. Allowing contaminated products to remain in circulation can lead to severe health risks for consumers and can compromise the overall integrity of the food supply.

Proper disposal is important not just to prevent health hazards, but also to maintain the quality standards required for peanut products. Ensuring that any contaminated peanuts are removed helps to protect the rest of the batch and ensures that only safe, high-quality peanuts continue through the processing cycle.

The other choices do not adequately address the health risks and quality considerations associated with mold detection. Ignoring the issue, continuing with the inspection without taking action, or merely retesting without first eliminating the contaminated product does not mitigate the risks posed by mold presence. Therefore, proactive removal and disposal is the established procedure in such circumstances.