Californian Almonds

About

What it is and where it shows up.

Californian almonds are the edible seeds of Prunus dulcis cultivars grown predominantly in California's Central Valley, the world's largest commercial almond-producing region, accounting for roughly 80% of global supply. They are consumed as whole nuts and used as an ingredient in snacks, confectionery, dairy alternatives, bakery products, and protein supplements, valued for their protein, monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, fiber, and mineral content.

Safety summary

The regulatory and scientific consensus.

Almonds are a whole food with a long history of safe use and are broadly recognized as safe by major global regulatory authorities including the FDA and EFSA. The primary safety concern is their classification as a major food allergen (tree nut), which can cause severe allergic reactions including anaphylaxis in sensitized individuals. Naturally occurring anti-nutritional factors such as amygdalin, phytic acid, and oxalic acid are present but do not pose significant safety risks at normal dietary intake levels; all Californian almonds sold in raw form must be pasteurized under US federal rules (7 CFR Part 981, effective 2007) to mitigate Salmonella contamination risk.

Regulatory landscape

What food-safety regulators have decided.

Jurisdiction	Status	Note
EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) (European Union)	Approved	Almonds are permitted whole foods freely traded in the EU. Mandatory tree nut allergen declaration is required under EU Food Information Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. EFSA's NDA Panel (2011) assessed health claims linking almond consumption to maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations (ID 1131) under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. No formal ADI applies to a whole food.source
FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) (India)	Approved	Almonds are among the most rapidly growing imported food products in India. Imports are regulated under FSSAI's Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations 2017, with clearance via the online Food Import Clearance System (FICS) integrated with Customs ICEGATE under SWIFT. Products must conform to FSS (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations 2011 for nut and nut products, including testing for aflatoxins and pesticide residues.source
FDA (Food and Drug Administration) (United States)	Approved	Almonds are a whole food recognized as safe through history of common use. All California almonds sold in the US must undergo mandatory pasteurization under 7 CFR Part 981 (final rule 72 FR 15021, effective March 30, 2007) to reduce Salmonella risk. Classified as a major food allergen (tree nut) requiring mandatory label declaration under FALCPA (21 CFR 101.4). No formal ADI is established for a whole food ingredient.source

Who should approach with care

Whose guidance would steer them away.

Nut Allergy — Almonds are classified as a major food allergen (tree nut) under FDA's FALCPA; consumption by sensitized individuals can trigger severe allergic reactions, including life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Infants — Whole almonds pose a serious choking hazard for infants and young children under approximately 5 years of age; almond products should only be introduced in age-appropriate forms and quantities.

Kidney Disease — Almonds are relatively high in oxalic acid and phosphorus; individuals with chronic kidney disease or a history of calcium-oxalate kidney stones should limit intake to reduce risk of stone formation and mineral imbalance.

Ibs — Almonds contain phytic acid and relatively high levels of fermentable fiber; large quantities may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating and abdominal discomfort in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome.

Other — Individuals on anticoagulant therapy (e.g., warfarin) should consult their doctor, as almonds are high in vitamin E and manganese, which may interact with coagulation-affecting medications at high intake levels.

Research citations

The sources behind this verdict.

1FSSAI. Food Safety and Standards (Import) Regulations, 2017 — Compendium Version III (12 November 2021), 2021. fssai.gov.in
2FDA. GRAS Notice No. GRN 000918: Partially Defatted Almond Protein Flour — FDA Response Letter, 2021. fda.gov
3EFSA. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to almonds and maintenance of normal blood LDL-cholesterol concentrations (ID 1131) pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006, 2011. efsa.europa.eu
4FDA. Almonds Grown in California; Outgoing Quality Control Requirements — Mandatory Pasteurization Final Rule (72 FR 15021), 2007. federalregister.gov
5FDA. Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) — Tree Nut Allergen Requirements, 2004. fda.gov

Independently researched5 citations