Federal Court Allows Almond Farmers’ Suit Against USDA To Proceed

August 10, 2010: 05:03 AM EST

A federal appeals court has allowed a challenge to a USDA regulation requiring sterilization of almonds by several methods, including use of a carcinogenic chemical, to proceed. The lawsuit was filed by almond farmers who say the sterilization process negates any natural claim made on packaging. The original regulation was implemented to stop salmonella outbreaks in California linked to almonds. The farmers said the rule created deceptive labeling because almonds treated chemically or pasteurized are still labeled “raw.” According to the Alliance for Natural Health, “Consumers who purchase ‘raw’ almonds may well think that those almonds are natural and unprocessed.” An attorney for the farmers said “USDA acted outside of authority granted by Congress when it denied California almond growers a consumer market for raw almonds.”

"Raw and Organic Almonds Lawsuit Scores Its First Major Victory", Alliance for Natural Health USA (ANH-USA), August 10, 2010, © Alliance for Natural Health USA (ANH-USA)

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Federal Court Allows Almond Farmers’ Suit Against USDA To Proceed

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