http://www.democracyinaction.org/dia/organizationsORG/o...p?campaign_KEY=11403

This was sent to me this morning:

Please consider taking this action to stop the destruction of almonds. The USDA, FDA, and California Almond Board have already put into place the measures to cause every almond grower in (at least) California to pasteurize ALL almonds, whether commercially grown or organically grown. And yet, in taking this action, they are going to allow the growers to still label the packages as organic and/or raw.

No longer will we be able to purchase and consume raw almonds that have ANY nutritional value left to them if we don't voice our opinion and ask them to reconsider.

Three of the potential suggested methods of pasteurization are:

-Propylene oxide(PPO) fumigation(propylene oxide was also used as an insecticidal fumigant till 1988 when its registration was terminated. California prop.65 rates PPO as a carcinogen. Cited from www.mbow.org)
-High heat(which degrades the integrity of the nuts and enzyme structure).

-Steam pasteurization (will also further devalue the nutrients, enzyme activity and antioxidants.)

I've received numerous health enewsletters that are all talking about the unscrupulous tyranny of the USDA and FDA taking this action without public input. Please don't allow them to take the final action by Sept. 1 without voicing your opinion.

Christina

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Certified Public Hugger,

Christina,

I just sent mine in for you. How easy was that! Not to mention how crazy is it in what they are planning.

Thanks for bringing this to our attention.