PPO on Almonds aka Is There Engine Fuel on Your Almonds?
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Engine fuel on almonds? Is this really a thing? Find out all of the details about PPO on almonds, why it really is on there and where to get almonds that aren't sprayed with this toxin so you and your family can be healthier!
Before we get to the engine fuel and almonds issue, did you know that the “raw almonds” in the grocery store, health food store, or at Costco, are most certainly not raw almonds at all?
And did you know that they are most likely coated with a fuel additive. Jet engine fuel additive, to be specific. As in for racing cars and motorcycles.
I know. I couldn't believe it either.
Seriously—we've been eating gassed almonds.
Sort of.
I first heard about this situation about 3 years ago when visiting another whole foods friend in a Chicago suburb.
My friend told me something about a chemical called PPO being sprayed on almonds. Like many new scary-sounding bits of natural information (like heavy metals, mercury in fish, personal care products in water), I thought, “Oh yeah, sure.” Then I asked her to show me proof. Just in case she was right, you know.
Well, she produced a copy of an article outlining the problem. I got home, did my research, and found out that she was right.
Yes, Virginia, you just might be eating Gassed Almonds.
Why Did Companies Start Treating Almond?
The history of this situation is this: In 2001 and 2004 there were two outbreaks of salmonella poisoning that were traced back to almonds. 33 people became ill, but thankfully no one died.
As a result, tons of almonds were recalled.
The Almond Board of California (ABC) started pasteurization of all almonds as a result and asked the USDA to mandate it.
As it turned out, however, the issue wasn't about all almonds. It was that the company processing the almonds where the problem started had unsanitary equipment. So really the whole industry was affected instead of just correcting the real problem.
As a result, all almonds in the US are now pasteurized either by:
- steam
- freezing (this is rare) or
- PPO (propylene oxide).
What Is PPO?
PPO is a synthetic, highly-flammable, volatile liquid that is used primarily in the process of making polyethers and propylene glycol. It's also used as an additive for engine fuel in vehicles (hence the title of this post), and as a pesticide and for disinfecting or sterilizing of foods (source).
PPO has been classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Group 2B, probable human carcinogen (source).
Sadly, PPO is a commonly used method to treat almonds, because it's cheaper than steam distilling almonds.
One source (discussing PPO on almonds) says that PPO is “a chemical so nasty that it was banned by both the National Hot Rod and American Motorcycle Racing Associations, where it had been used as a fuel before being deemed too dangerous“, however it appears that it was banned due not due to it being a carcinogen, but due to it explosive.
Is There PPO On All Almonds?
No, there isn't. However, it's on a lot of almonds.
At the time this post was written, PPO couldn't be used on organic almonds due to regulations and standards placed on organic foods.
Where to Buy Almonds That Aren't Sprayed With PPO
We love shopping at Costco, but sadly at the time this post was written, Costco stated that their Kirkland almonds are sprayed with PPO.
Since some companies only use steam, you can call and ask companies what they do and purchase from those that do not use PPO. Of course, a company's practices might change so you should follow up on occasion to make sure that they are are still doing things without PPO.
As mentioned, organic almonds do not have PPO sprayed on them.
However, if you don't want to spend the extra cost for organic, here are some conventional almonds that at the time of writing this post were not pasteurized with PPO.
Azure Standard
Azure Standard is a great company. They have organic almonds that of course do not have PPO on them, but their conventional almonds are also PPO-free.
They sell so many great products at fantastic prices and their mission statement is stellar as well.
“Sproutable” Pasteurized Almonds
Though I haven't done enough research into this to know if they are really more nutritionally beneficial than steamed almonds, I have seen these in stores and online but they are quite pricey.
Imported Untreated Almonds from Spain
Spain is apparently a good option for purchasing raw almonds, however these are also pricey. When I wrote this post, they were selling for about $13.99 per pound.
Find a Raw Almond Buying Club
Some groups buy almonds direct from almond farmers. There's a little loophole in the pasteurization law that makes it an option to get truly raw almonds as long as you buy them directly from a farmer. I had one of these out of my home and we bought loads of almonds every fall.
Buy Direct From an Almond Farmer
Not simple but it's a possible solution.
Grow Your Own Almonds
This is truly not feasible for most people, and almond trees take a while to have a good yield and
Call to Action
I highly recommend that everyone reading this post contacts the Almond Board to ask if they will consider halting the spraying of almonds since it never made sense in the first place.
Where do you buy your almonds?
Source: Local Harvest
Adrienne,
Excellent article and information.
Much appreciated.
Reading the comments I am flabbergasted that folks would actually make excuses for the insane use of chemicals in our food supply. Can I just have some Almonds without a chemical spray please? It’s so discouraging for those of us that are dedicated to eating healthy, organic and pure foods. Our body is our temple. What you eat makes you who you are not to mention the side effects of these chemicals that are causing who knows what type of problems. This issue goes so much further and infiltrates our meat supply, our vegetables produced and even our herbs. The only answer in getting off the chemical gravy train is to become self sufficient. The food produced for the masses realizes collateral damage as a necessary component of feeding well over 300 million people. My only advice. Don’t be collateral damage. Wake up.
I agree with you. It’s of course hard to be completely self sufficient but more that way and off chemicals is a good thing for sure.
I thought I had gotten raw almonds and found out, after soaking them for 2 days, that they were steam pasturized. Anything I can do with these water soaked, still hard almonds??
I am sorry to just see this now. You can dry them out or roast them. Would that work?
Do you know if almonds are sprayed that are used in products like almond milk? Thank you for the article. It’s nice that apparently some of your readers can afford to get cancer using products like artificial flavors, colors, jet fuel, etc. Some of us prefer not to take a chance, especially with our children’s health. It’s just commom sense not to eat poison.
Yes, I would think so. I know, it doesn’t make sense to me either. Take care and so nice to hear from you!
Thanks for the great information, Adrienne. I don’t want to risk my health eating any traces of PPO or the other contaminants that could be in the PPO (I don’ think the PPO is 100.000000% pure – so what else is in it, and what danger’s lurk in these chemicals?).
I sent an email to the Almond Board of California, letting them know I and my family and friends will not be buying any more almonds unless we know they are not treated with PPO. I also asked them to end the practice of pasturizing almonds with PPO in California.
Thanks so much for doing that, Keith!! Much appreciated. Getting involved like that is the way to go.
I shop a lot at Trader Joes, and I notice that their packaged tomatoes, cukes, and other veggies seem to have a super long shelf life. After living in Germany for 5 years, that seems strange to me. In Germany, the fresh veggies don’t last that long. They are not old, but they are not sprayed or gassed. Do you know anything about Trader Joes gassing supposedly organic produce?
Thanks
I don’t, but perhaps calling them would be a good idea. Thanks and please let me know if you hear anything.
Hey ma’am! Do you know if almonds that are roasted, chocolate, cinnamon, etc. are treated with PPO? Please and Thank You!
Any almonds sold in the US are not supposed to be raw so it doesn’t matter, I don’t think, if they are roasted. If the company bought them in the US then they can be treated. You would need to ask them. Not fun, eh :(?
Hello
First of all congratulations, that is a very useful and informative post.
I was just wondering if you would be able to help me.
My client is looking for a farm near Marble Falls in Texas where he can buy unpasteurized almonds. Do you know where and how is the best way to find if there any farms in Texas that produces almonds? As you advice in the post he wants to get in touch with a farmer to get the almonds fresh from the trees but so far I haven’t been able to find anything.
He is also looking to buy fresh from the farm macadamia nuts. Any tips for this one? We know they are grow in tropical countries so very unlikely that there is any farm in Texas. But any source on this one will be very welcome.
Thank you in advance for your help!
Regards
Noelia
Hi there. I am sorry but I have no idea :).
Hi Adrienne
Thank you for your reply.
My client is now asking me for a source/supplier anywhere in the US.
Any chance you know a farmer who can provide unpasteurized almonds?
He is aware that he might have to sign a waver because of the new law.
Thanks
Noelia
I am sorry but I don’t know.
Almondsbrewerfarms.com. Their website says their almonds are unpasteurized.
Cathy
Do you know of a reputable place to get cashews?
Hmmm…I haven’t heard of problems w/ cashews like the almond issue. I buy mine from Country Life Natural Foods or Costco :).
What are the true risks? Is this an over-reaction?
Corn-based alcohol is also used as engine fuel. Does that mean it’s poisonous? Not in small quantities. (Anyone use vanilla extract?) In large quantities, yes: Alcohol poisoning is a real problem.
Therefore I looked to see if PPO is dangerous. Just because it’s used as engine fuel doesn’t automatically make it dangerous.
The CDC says, “The potential for propylene oxide to produce cancer in humans has not been determined. However, the results of studies in animals fulfill the criteria in the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Cancer Policy for classifying a substance as a potential occupational carcinogen. niosh therefore recommends that propylene oxide be regarded as a potential occupational carcinogen and that occupational exposure be reduced to the lowest feasible concentration.” https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/89-111/
That study claims that rats who were orally fed 15 – 60mg of PPO per kg of body weight didn’t die at a greater rate than the control group, but they did develop stomach tumors. However, is there a minimum required for risk of cancer? Is it like alcohol, where a little bit won’t do any harm? The CDC didn’t say.
How much is used for a pound of almonds? I couldn’t find anything.
Is any of it left on the almond by the time we eat them? This almond seller says no: https://www.justalmonds.com/category_s/55.htm
If PPO has the same properties as other engine fuels, they’re probably right. For example, gasoline evaporates, leaving only a fraction of the volume of liquid behind. This natural living website reinforces the claim that PPO dissapates:
https://ethicaleats.blogspot.com/2011/06/almonds-nutty-industry.html
What is the minimum threashold that causes a risk of cancer? If you must consumer 15mg per kg of body weight every day to cause cancer, and the amount left on one ounce of almonds means you get an equivalent of 0.0000000000000025mg per kg of body weight, do you therefore need to consume 500 pounds of almonds every day to have even a small risk of cancer? (Made-up numbers.) If so, I personally wouldn’t be concerned. But the answers are not there.
I don’t want to jump the gun here. Can anyone fill in the gaps? I just want to know what the true risks are.
Hi there. Thanks for your comments.
Here are my thoughts.
1. Just b/c rats are fed a certain amt and it’s deemed to be safe doesn’t prove anything really. We are not rats and furthermore, no tests are done to test the effect of multiple chemicals on our systems. They just test one at a time. So my concern is not just w/ 1 certain chemical but w/ the plethora of chemicals that we are inundated w/ on a daily basis. I am doing my best to eliminate them as much as possible from our diets.
2. As far as Just Almonds saying that the PPO isn’t there any more, that is the company that I recommend and they don’t use PPO on their almonds. That statement was not from them, but from the FDA.
So I hope that helps. Maybe the small amt on the almonds in and of itself isn’t a big deal, but put it together with the chemicals you ingest and put on our body from other sources and I think you have part of the cause of the illness. What do you think?
What do I think? I am aware of the connection between artificial ingredients/preservatives and cancer. (I noted elsewhere on this blog that my wife was on the board of the Feingold Association.) But plethora or not, I still don’t know how much to worry about this. If the other chemicals I consume per day amount to (made-up numbers) 2mg but the minimum risk threshold is 10mg, and almonds give me 0.0000000000000000025mg more, it’s not a concern to me.
On the flip side, if almonds give 8mg and the rest give 6mg then yes it would be a big concern. But I don’t have enough information to make an informed decision. I’d prefer more hard facts.
I get it though, you’re erring on the side of caution. Hey, go for it 🙂
I don’t have enough info about it. But I will add to this that the almonds in the grocery store (w/ the PPO) also don’t taste as good as the Just Almonds ones so that’s another reason to buy them :).
While it is true that the FDA approved ppo for pasteurization against salmonella around 2004 ppo has in fact been used as an insecticide and anti microbial on herbs, spices and nuts for well over fifty years. And yes, ppo was an additive to fuel. However, your almonds are still raw despite using ppo as it does not cook them it sprays them – rousted almonds are not raw.
It is true that ppo is synthetic an unnatural to this earth and it is true that animal studies have shown a lifetime exposure to ppo causes cancer. However, many cancer risk studies have shown that there is no risk with current practices involving ppo to any human across the lifespan (infants, adolescents, adults and geriatrics).
Again, it is true that ppo was used in fuel which caused a person to have lots of exposure as the gas was burned – inhalation exposure. However the expose on almonds is from ingestion and the and there is a small residual. I am unfamiliar with the FDA regulations on ppo’s residual but in canada the max residual ppo allowed is 300ppm on almonds an 0.1ppm on other foods (spices) – obviously because spices are small and 1million spices is less weight/volume then 1million almonds.
This means that as of right now ppo is known to be safe for treatment and we should not worry too much but encourage our researches to do more research on the subject to ensure our safety.
Thanks Paul. I guess I would rather err on the side of not eating it. Have you seen Unacceptable Limits?