KERN COUNTY NUT PROCESSOR FINED AFTER LABELING INVESTIGATION

SACRAMENTO, January 31, 2002-An investigation into labeling irregularities by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the Kern County District Attorney has resulted in $13,000 in penalties and additional costs for the Famosa Nut Company of Mc Farland. The company was also restrained from violating specific provisions of the California Food and Agricultural Code pertinent to commercial feed.

CDFA’s Feed Inspection program issued a number of formal notices after finding that feed labeled as almond hulls was actually almond hulls and shells, a distinction that had dairy farmers overpaying for a product that caused production declines in milk cows. The District Attorney then prosecuted Famosa Nut for unfair business practices, with the company ultimately agreeing to settle the case without an admission of guilt.

“I’m pleased our inspectors were able to detect this practice and protect dairy farmers,” said CDFA Secretary William (Bill) J. Lyons, Jr. “Let this be a warning to any concern that might consider similar activities. We’ll take every measure at our disposal to stop unfair business practices.”

CDFA’s Feed Inspection program provides protection to buyers and users of animal feed for the production of wholesome meat, milk and eggs.

More than 800,000 tons of almond hulls are produced annually in California for livestock feed.


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FLEX YOUR POWER. To meet California’s energy challenge, CDFA urges businesses and consumers to conserve. For a list of simple ways that you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, see our Web site @www.cdfa.ca.gov.