I'll keep this one really short. As of 9/1, the USDA requires all "raw" almonds to be "pasteurized." Pasteurization involves either steam heat OR a toxic fumigant, propylene oxide. The catch? The infrastructure to use steam heat isn't in place, so for now it's gonna be a whole lot of toxic fumigant instead.
What's propylene oxide?
The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies propylene oxide as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" and the fumigant is banned in Canada, Mexico and the European Union.
A few more points:
- Organic growers could be put out of business
- The treated nuts will still be labeled "raw"
- Imported nuts won't be treated
Please call your member of Congress and ask for a 180 day halt on the pasteurization plan while reopening the issue for full public review!