Almond Growers Sue USDA Over Compulsory Almond Treatment

The USDA requires that raw almonds be treated with propylene oxide (a toxic fumigant recognized as a carcinogen by the EPA) or steam-heated before sale to American consumers. Foreign-grown almonds are exempt and are rapidly displacing raw domestic nuts on the market. Almonds treated with propylene oxide or steam heat can still be labeled as “raw”. This is extremely misleading for consumers looking for raw food choices.