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I have always maintained a mental list of foods that I put in the category of totally healthy. These special foods are the ones I know I can rely on when I can’t find anything else healthy to eat. Almonds have always been one of my most treasured perfect foods… until now.
Due to an outbreak of salmonella in 2001 and 2004 from almonds, the federal government has mandated that all almonds grown in the United States must be pasteurized to kill any bacteria. The problem lies in the fact that many companies are using the inexpensive process of applying a chemical called propylene oxide (PPO) in order to pasteurize the almonds. PPO is so nasty that it was banned by both the Hot Rod and Motorcycle Racing Associations, where it had been used as racing fuel before being deemed too dangerous. PPO is also used in manufacturing polyurethane foam, antifreeze and hydraulic fluid and is classified as a probably human carcinogen.
The other option for manufacturers is using steam pasteurization, which is much safer but more costly. The problem, however, is that you cannot tell from almond labels which brands are using steam and which are using the toxic PPO. We know that many stores are going to sell whatever is the lowest cost and most don’t know or care about PPO and its potential toxic effects on your health.
Nutrition World is not playing that game and we are making a commitment to know the source of every almond and almond butter carried in this store. As always, we are looking out for your well-being first and foremost.
