ALMONDS: reply from Trader Joe's

From an e-mail.

Hi, XXXXXXX-

Thanks for your email. We have not changed the 73% Dark Chocolate.
Everything that is in a product will appear on the ingredients panel.
We do not allow the use of preservatives in our food.

Our raw almonds are pasteurized and they are not heated above 115
degrees and food is still considered live and active if not heated above
120 degrees. It is industry standard that raw almonds be pasteurized and
this has been the case for a number of years now since the problem with
salmonella and raw almonds occurred. If you are after non-pasteurized
almonds, look for our Valencia Almonds (as they are non-California
grown) or head to your local farmer's markets and the like, as all raw
almonds sold packaged in stores are pasteurized if grown in California.
Any item not labeled organic may have had pesticides used on them.

I hope this helps!

XXXXX

Trader Joe's Customer Relations
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