The End of Raw Almonds?
DEMI MOORE IS GONNA BE SO MAD
Raw foodist Demi Moore attributes her glowing, youthful appearance and rockin’ body to a raw foods diet.
That’s why I have a feeling she’s gonna throw a major diva-esque tantrum when she hears the news about the imminent demise of raw almonds in the United States. Hopefully, some pissed off celebrities will help challenge this tragic measure.
Come on Demi, give us a hand – it’s time to put some serious A-list pressure on the California Almond Board.
RAW ALMONDS R.I.P.
I am saddened to tell you that due to a rash decision of the California Almond Board, come September 1st, 2007 you’ll no longer be able to buy untreated raw almonds. And yes, that means raw almond butter, a most delectable and nutritious treat, will become a distant memory as well.
What is going on?!?
In 2001 and 2004 there were two salmonella outbreaks stemming from conventional almonds. The Almond Board’s decision to heat treat ALL almonds is based on these outbreaks yet it ignores the important differences in how organic and conventional almonds are processed and stored.
In fact, conventionally grown raw almonds are stored in warehouses at room temperature which a makes them more susceptible to contracting disease-causing organisms, while organic raw almonds are kept refrigerated.
The other factor the Board ignores is the fact that heat treatment/pasteurization may in fact INCREASE the risk of almonds that become contaminated with salmonella. Studies show that eliminating bacteria from the surface of foods (heat treatment), can actually create a sterile surface MORE likely to foster the growth of bacteria like salmonella. Thus, a pasteurized almond that comes in contact with salmonella has a higher likelihood of spreading salmonella to a consumer than a raw almond would. Dumb Board.
Don’t be Fooled
You’ll probably continue seeing labeling of “Raw Almonds”. But be aware that these labels are misleading and there will probably be some small print somewhere on the package stating (heat treated). Unbelievably, even organic “raw” almonds will be subjected to a high-temperature, moist heat treatment. Bye-bye life-sustaining enzymes and so long to the health benefits of alive, raw almonds. Makes me so mad!
You REALLY Need To Go Organic Now
All conventional almonds will be treated not only with high-temp heat, but also fumigated with Propylene Oxide which is classified as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”, by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Uh-oh. I don’t like the sound of that. Add to that the fact that Propylene Oxide is banned in the European Union as well as other countries. Not a likely to be a contender for Healthy Chemical Of The Year, right?
Take A Stand
If you are as p.o.’d as I am by the Board’s decision, take a few minutes to contact the media in your area. Most people out there are still happily munching almond butter and apple slices, completely unaware that in just a few short months their favorite, healthiest snack will be a distant memory. Together we can use the time we have left to campaign and help prevent the almond crisis.
Help keep real almonds alive!
Sign the petition here: Online petition - Mandatory Almond Pasteurization is WRONG!!!
July 13th, 2007 at 9:31 am
[...] why am I humming about death? Because Nutrition Frenzy alerted us to the possible death of the raw almond! You simply must go read her informative piece [...]
July 13th, 2007 at 11:48 am
That’s funny, I’ve just been writing about the raw almonds ban. It’s bad news for us in the UK too because we get nearly all of our almonds imported from you guys!
July 13th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Does anyone know if the ban will make it illegal for Farmer’s Markets to sell truly raw almonds?
Something I need to research…
July 14th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Nice article Amanda!
July 18th, 2007 at 7:48 am
[...] Few Raw Almonds Will Survive! July 18th, 2007 by Amanda Herrington For all concerned about the death of the true, raw almond come September 1st, here is some great [...]
April 29th, 2008 at 5:51 am
[...] In 2001 and 2004 there were two salmonella outbreaks stemming from conventional almonds. The Almond Board?s decision to heat treat ALL almonds is based on these outbreaks yet it ignores the important differences in how organic and conventional almonds are processed and stored. 38 [...]