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Stop Mandatory Almond Pasteurization
The Weston A. Price Foundation is working with the Cornucopia Institute
to stop a proposal for mandatory pasteurization of almonds.
Background
In response to outbreaks of Salmonella in 2001 and 2004, California-grown
raw
almonds may no longer be available, due to a new USDA mandate requiring
them to be sanitized through treatment processes that the industry euphemistically
describes as "pasteurization."
The pasteurization rule requires fumigation of almonds with propylene
oxide, a
possibly carcinogenic chemical, or high temperature heat, and will allow
almonds to be deceptively labeled as "raw" following these
treatments.
Even worse, the measure imposes significant financial burdens on small-scale
and
organic growers, lacks scientific justification, damages domestic almond
markets,
and does not address the unsustainable methods used on the industrial-scale
almond orchards where the only confirmed Salmonella outbreak occurred.
For detailed specifics on these and other problems associated with
the almond
treatment rule, please see the "Almond Fact Sheet", prepared
by The Cornucopia
Institute, on this issue at: www.cornucopia.org/almond/AlmondFactSheet.doc.
Action to Take
Please contact the USDA and key elected officials now, and tell them
to initiate a
comprehensive review of the necessity and effects of almond pasteurization--with
public input--before the rule is implemented on September 1. But even
if this rule goes into effect, please continue contacting key decision
makers after September 1. We will be investigating the possibility of
lawsuits and other actions to stop the regulation and your letters will
help us demonstrate continued public opposition to this rule.
To help stop this unwarranted regulation, concerned members of the
public should first contact USDA Secretary Mike Johanns. Email, mail
or FAX your comments to:
Secretary Mike Johanns
United States Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave SW
Whitten Building Suite 200A
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202) 720-3631
Email:
FAX: (202) 720-2166
We also need help from key elected officials to make sure that USDA
hears the public and takes the appropriate steps leading to a full and
public review of the Almond pasteurization.
Senator Tom Harkin
731 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: (202) 224-3254
Fax: (202) 224-9369
Email:
Rep. Dennis Cardoza
Congressman, California
435 Cannon Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-6131
Fax: 225-0819
Toll-free: 800-356-6424
Email:
Rep. Ron Kind
Congressman, Wisconsin
1406 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-5506
Fax: (202) 225-5739
Email:
If you know who your own member of Congress is, please let them hear
from you too.
And we also ask that you share your personal email/contact information
to The
Cornucopia Institute so that they can keep you up-to-date with the latest
news and action alerts on this issue.
You can contact them at:
.
Sample Letters
Best are a very short handwritten notes, but these can also be used
in an email. If you are an industry professional (farmer, retailer,
distributor, or manufacturer),
it is important that you state this in your letter. You can do this
below your
typed name/signature and address.
TO MIKE JOHANNS:
I believe that uncooked foods, or "living foods," offer substantial
health benefits.
I am outraged/saddened/disturbed by the fact that I will not be able
to purchase
truly raw almonds after the new regulation goes into effect .
I am very concerned that I will no longer be able to know how my food
was processed, and that "raw" will no longer mean "raw."
TO KEY CONGRESSIONAL OFFICIALS
I believe that uncooked foods, or "living foods," offer substantial
health benefits.
I am outraged/saddened/disturbed by the fact that I will soon not be
able to
purchase truly raw almonds.
I am very concerned that my almonds will soon be treated with a toxic
fumigant or unnecessary heat treatment.
I have let the USDA know of my concerns about their almond pasteurization
plan but I am not convinced they are listening. Please use whatever
influence you have to help make sure the USDA hears the public.
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