Almond Pasteurization Delay Requested

MODESTO - Aug 6/07 - SNS -- The Almond Board of California has asked the USDA to delay the start of the mandatory pasteurization program until March 1, 2008.

Developed by the almond industry, the program was to start September 1. The board says the delay will give almond handling facilities enough time to complete the required validation and certification for pasteurization so that all industry members will be in full compliance by this date. The delayed implementation date is pending approval by the USDA.

The purpose of the almond pasteurization plan is to ensure that consumers are provided with safe, wholesome food products, free from potentially harmful levels of bacteria that can cause illness, without compromising the almond qualities and attributes that consumers expect and appreciate. Under the proposed new timeline, the plan would become mandatory on March 1, 2008.

The program, designed to supply consumers with the safest possible product, was initiated voluntarily by the industry and many industry members are already delivering pasteurized almonds.

After thorough discussion amongst industry members, the request by the Almond Board of California to delay the implementation by six months was made to ensure that there is sufficient capacity in certified pasteurization facilities to deliver an uninterrupted supply of safe, healthy, and delicious California almonds. The request to delay affects only the implementation date of the mandatory rule; it will not revise or reopen specific provisions of the approved pasteurization program.

The California almond industry remains committed to supplying pasteurized product to consumers, customers and trade partners. The almond industry maintains its unwavering commitment to food safety and this pasteurization implementation action reflects the broad consensus amongst the industry to implement the pasteurization program agreed to and approved by the USDA.