Pasteurized Almonds Anyone?

"Almond Board-funded research shows no change in nutritional values or enzyme change in the heat-treated nuts, said Richard Waycott, president of the board.

Larsen said Big Tree's research reached the same conclusion. Buyers of raw almonds want them to be able to sprout, said Larsen, and the pasteurization process for organic almonds will not change that characteristic.

Waycott said the industry has worked on development of the pasteurization plan for the past three years and has made efforts to gather input from a number of stakeholders. For the past two years, the plan was discussed in open forums at the annual almond industry conferences.

"I can't tell you how many hours and meetings it has involved. There has been broad representation in our industry, including organic growers and handlers, as well as major customers here and abroad, government officials and health experts," Waycott said.

He emphasized that the food safety plan is a voluntary initiative by the almond industry to ensure quality and safety for consumers. It has not been mandated by any government agency, Waycott said.

..Glenn Anderson of Hilmar is one grower who disputes the Almond Board's research. Anderson sells his raw almonds directly to customers. Those customers don't believe the treatment will leave the nuts raw and want an unpasteurized product, he said.

"They want it completely raw, just as it came from the tree," he said.

Anderson said organic growers are more diligent about harvesting and handling their almonds and questioned the need for organic products to be pasteurized.

"No one ever has been made ill by eating organic almonds," he said. Anderson said he suspects the biological methods associated with organic farming reduce the risk for bacterial contamination. "

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