“This case is about a ban on the sale of high quality, unprocessed, pathogen-free, raw almonds that growers produce and many American consumers demand.”
Almond Growers appeal brief, page 34.
Almond Growers appeal brief, page 34.
1. Why should I support Action for Almonds?
The rule prohibiting the domestic sale of untreated California almonds takes away your choice as a consumer. It also places an oppressive burden on small specialty farmers – mainly organic – who sell raw almonds to health-conscious consumers who value the special nutritional qualities of raw almonds. Action for Almonds supports the farmers' lawsuit against USDA.
2. Why do we have this rule?
There are about 6,000 almond growers in California. In 2001 there were some reported cases of Salmonella infection traced to raw, non-organic almonds from a single packer and three orchards. In 2004, Salmonella infection was traced to a consumer’s open container of non-organic almonds from a particular retailer. It is not clear whether the contamination originated in the kitchen, at the retailer, during transportation, during packaging, or in an orchard. But large agribusiness growers and handlers of almonds, who claimed to be worried about an almond scare (and for the most part don’t offer organic almonds), asked USDA to impose a national ban on sale of unpasteurized raw almonds. In a nutshell, USDA imposed the ban on unpasteurized almonds because California’s almond agribusiness giants asked for the government ban.
3. Do raw organic almonds present a Salmonella danger?
Salmonella originates from animal waste. It is extremely rare in any almonds. No case of Salmonella infection has ever been reported from organic almonds, raw or otherwise.
4. I don’t eat almonds so why should I be concerned?
The rule in this case sets the stage for requiring post-harvest treatment for many other kinds of produce. If you value raw fruits and vegetables this case affects you as well.
5. I care about small farms, especially organic farms. How does this rule affect small organic almond farmers?
This rule, pushed through the regulatory process by large agribusiness companies, has created great economic hardship and uncertainty for small specialty almond growers. California’s organic almond growers lost 40% of their revenue per pound when USDA banned sale of their raw, unprocessed almonds to U.S. consumers. This is an insult to consumers and to growers who take pride in their careful handling methods to produce a safe, nutritious superfood.
6. What about almonds from abroad?
USDA's rule does not apply to almonds from abroad. Raw, unheated, untreated almonds grown in FOREIGN countries may be freely sold to U.S. consumers. There is no greater risk for Salmonella contamination in a California almond than a foreign almond.
7. What is wrong with the prescribed treatments for almonds?
There is evidence that the heat processes prescribed for organic almonds destroys valuable enzymes, as well as valuable phytonutrients. Under USDA's rule "RAW" almonds may also be treated with propylene oxide (PPO). Both the United States EPA & FDA have identified PPO as a probable cancer causing agent. PPO treated almonds are banned for sale in the European Union and Canada.
8. Why eat raw almonds?
They are both delicious and highly nutritious. Also, people with food sensitivities, especially to dairy or certain grains, find that raw almonds can be used as a substitute to restricted foods.
9. Does the USDA's rule guarantee safe almonds?
NO. It does not offer any protection to the almonds after they have been treated. Contamination of foods has occurred after treatment. Treated foods may become contaminated while stored in warehouses, while in transit, or elsewhere in the distribution chain.
10. Why do I see California almonds labeled "RAW" in my local market?
This is confusing to consumers. California almonds sold in your market have been treated. Almonds are allowed to be labeled as “RAW” in the U.S. even though they have been treated by heat or PPO.
11. Is it true that unprocessed California almonds may be freely shipped abroad?
YES, this is true! Almonds labeled as "unpasteurized" may be exported, but the USDA refuses to allow U.S. consumers to have the same informed choice.
12. Isn't there an exception to the rule for buying unprocessed almonds at California farm stands?
There is. Consumers may buy them at a farm stand, but not at an organic food store, or any store, according to USDA.
13. Why not just buy raw almonds from abroad?
California almonds are among the finest in the world. In fact, more California almonds are exported every year than are consumed in the U.S. every year. Consumers make a choice everyday about the raw and processed foods they eat. Does it make any sense that USDA takes away the choice for unprocessed California almonds in the U.S.?
14. What can I do to help the almond growers and protect my right to buy the foods I want?
You can contribute to the almond growers’ litigation fund, to help them in this costly battle between David’s little brother and Goliath’s bigger brother. You can pass the word to your natural and organic food suppliers, and encourage them to donate and to provide a link to Action For Almonds donation page. You can also attend events with members of the US House and Senate and ask them if they support (or even know about) USDA’s action to take away your right to buy raw, unprocessed almonds from California, and if they are aware of USDA’s apparent preference that raw food enthusiasts should not “Buy American.”
The rule prohibiting the domestic sale of untreated California almonds takes away your choice as a consumer. It also places an oppressive burden on small specialty farmers – mainly organic – who sell raw almonds to health-conscious consumers who value the special nutritional qualities of raw almonds. Action for Almonds supports the farmers' lawsuit against USDA.
2. Why do we have this rule?
There are about 6,000 almond growers in California. In 2001 there were some reported cases of Salmonella infection traced to raw, non-organic almonds from a single packer and three orchards. In 2004, Salmonella infection was traced to a consumer’s open container of non-organic almonds from a particular retailer. It is not clear whether the contamination originated in the kitchen, at the retailer, during transportation, during packaging, or in an orchard. But large agribusiness growers and handlers of almonds, who claimed to be worried about an almond scare (and for the most part don’t offer organic almonds), asked USDA to impose a national ban on sale of unpasteurized raw almonds. In a nutshell, USDA imposed the ban on unpasteurized almonds because California’s almond agribusiness giants asked for the government ban.
3. Do raw organic almonds present a Salmonella danger?
Salmonella originates from animal waste. It is extremely rare in any almonds. No case of Salmonella infection has ever been reported from organic almonds, raw or otherwise.
4. I don’t eat almonds so why should I be concerned?
The rule in this case sets the stage for requiring post-harvest treatment for many other kinds of produce. If you value raw fruits and vegetables this case affects you as well.
5. I care about small farms, especially organic farms. How does this rule affect small organic almond farmers?
This rule, pushed through the regulatory process by large agribusiness companies, has created great economic hardship and uncertainty for small specialty almond growers. California’s organic almond growers lost 40% of their revenue per pound when USDA banned sale of their raw, unprocessed almonds to U.S. consumers. This is an insult to consumers and to growers who take pride in their careful handling methods to produce a safe, nutritious superfood.
6. What about almonds from abroad?
USDA's rule does not apply to almonds from abroad. Raw, unheated, untreated almonds grown in FOREIGN countries may be freely sold to U.S. consumers. There is no greater risk for Salmonella contamination in a California almond than a foreign almond.
7. What is wrong with the prescribed treatments for almonds?
There is evidence that the heat processes prescribed for organic almonds destroys valuable enzymes, as well as valuable phytonutrients. Under USDA's rule "RAW" almonds may also be treated with propylene oxide (PPO). Both the United States EPA & FDA have identified PPO as a probable cancer causing agent. PPO treated almonds are banned for sale in the European Union and Canada.
8. Why eat raw almonds?
They are both delicious and highly nutritious. Also, people with food sensitivities, especially to dairy or certain grains, find that raw almonds can be used as a substitute to restricted foods.
9. Does the USDA's rule guarantee safe almonds?
NO. It does not offer any protection to the almonds after they have been treated. Contamination of foods has occurred after treatment. Treated foods may become contaminated while stored in warehouses, while in transit, or elsewhere in the distribution chain.
10. Why do I see California almonds labeled "RAW" in my local market?
This is confusing to consumers. California almonds sold in your market have been treated. Almonds are allowed to be labeled as “RAW” in the U.S. even though they have been treated by heat or PPO.
11. Is it true that unprocessed California almonds may be freely shipped abroad?
YES, this is true! Almonds labeled as "unpasteurized" may be exported, but the USDA refuses to allow U.S. consumers to have the same informed choice.
12. Isn't there an exception to the rule for buying unprocessed almonds at California farm stands?
There is. Consumers may buy them at a farm stand, but not at an organic food store, or any store, according to USDA.
13. Why not just buy raw almonds from abroad?
California almonds are among the finest in the world. In fact, more California almonds are exported every year than are consumed in the U.S. every year. Consumers make a choice everyday about the raw and processed foods they eat. Does it make any sense that USDA takes away the choice for unprocessed California almonds in the U.S.?
14. What can I do to help the almond growers and protect my right to buy the foods I want?
You can contribute to the almond growers’ litigation fund, to help them in this costly battle between David’s little brother and Goliath’s bigger brother. You can pass the word to your natural and organic food suppliers, and encourage them to donate and to provide a link to Action For Almonds donation page. You can also attend events with members of the US House and Senate and ask them if they support (or even know about) USDA’s action to take away your right to buy raw, unprocessed almonds from California, and if they are aware of USDA’s apparent preference that raw food enthusiasts should not “Buy American.”
Web links for further information and other views:
http://www.anh-usa.org/usda-protect-us-from-raw-almonds/
http://foodidentitytheft.com/trying-to-avoid-almonds-that-are-gassed-heres-a-little-guide/
http://www.livingtreecommunity.com/store2/news-08-15-10.htm
http://www.livingnutz.com/2011/04/the-truth-about-almond-pasteurization-methods/
http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2011/03/30/yes-raw-almonds-still-arent-raw
http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Almonds-Raw-or-Pasteurized_vq1948.htm
http://www.rawfoodinfo.com/articles/art_almondsterilization.html
http://www.cornucopia.org/almond/Almond_Fact_Sheet.pdf
http://learnfromlance.org/health-wellness/food-nutrition/raw-unpasteurized-almonds/
http://organicpastures.com/raw-almond-expose.html
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/02/usda-develops-new-more-efficient-method-of-almond-pasteurization/
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-65052264226661/almond-pasteurization.pdf
http://wholenewmom.com/reaching-out/almonds-health-salmonella-food-pasteurizatio/
http://rense.com/general77/almonds.htm
http://www.relfe.com/07/raw_almonds_banned.html
http://saveouralmonds.com/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/13/raw-almond-producers-figh_n_681086.html
http://nuts.com/nuts/almonds/
(a source for non-pasteurized raw almonds from Spain, and pasteurized almonds from California)
http://www.goodearthnaturalfoods.net/common/news/store_news.asp?task=store_news&sid_store_news=78&storeID=qljs5n5jsasr2lhc0g03n0et95qt2s43
(another source for non-pasteurized imported almonds and pasteurized California almonds)
http://www.anh-usa.org/usda-protect-us-from-raw-almonds/
http://foodidentitytheft.com/trying-to-avoid-almonds-that-are-gassed-heres-a-little-guide/
http://www.livingtreecommunity.com/store2/news-08-15-10.htm
http://www.livingnutz.com/2011/04/the-truth-about-almond-pasteurization-methods/
http://renegadehealth.com/blog/2011/03/30/yes-raw-almonds-still-arent-raw
http://www.dirtdoctor.com/Almonds-Raw-or-Pasteurized_vq1948.htm
http://www.rawfoodinfo.com/articles/art_almondsterilization.html
http://www.cornucopia.org/almond/Almond_Fact_Sheet.pdf
http://learnfromlance.org/health-wellness/food-nutrition/raw-unpasteurized-almonds/
http://organicpastures.com/raw-almond-expose.html
http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2012/02/usda-develops-new-more-efficient-method-of-almond-pasteurization/
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/yhst-65052264226661/almond-pasteurization.pdf
http://wholenewmom.com/reaching-out/almonds-health-salmonella-food-pasteurizatio/
http://rense.com/general77/almonds.htm
http://www.relfe.com/07/raw_almonds_banned.html
http://saveouralmonds.com/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/13/raw-almond-producers-figh_n_681086.html
http://nuts.com/nuts/almonds/
(a source for non-pasteurized raw almonds from Spain, and pasteurized almonds from California)
http://www.goodearthnaturalfoods.net/common/news/store_news.asp?task=store_news&sid_store_news=78&storeID=qljs5n5jsasr2lhc0g03n0et95qt2s43
(another source for non-pasteurized imported almonds and pasteurized California almonds)
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