The 2022 Salmonella Recall and Immediate Aftermath
In August 2022, Blue Diamond Growers voluntarily recalled nearly 350,000 pounds of almonds due to a potential Salmonella contamination. The recall was initiated after an internal sampling test found a positive result for Salmonella on specific product lots. The affected products were labeled as "Whole Brown Almonds" and were sold in bulk, not as the brand's well-known snack nuts or almond milk.
- The specific products were intended for industrial ingredient manufacturing.
- Distribution occurred domestically in California, Colorado, and Illinois, as well as internationally in Germany, Morocco, and Canada.
- The company acted quickly, and by the end of August 2022, all identified recalled products were recovered or in the process of recovery.
While a significant food safety event, the recall was contained and did not directly affect the retail snack products that most consumers purchase. However, such incidents understandably raise consumer awareness about food safety protocols and product traceability within the supply chain.
Deceptive Labeling Lawsuits and the "Smokehouse" Controversy
Beyond the safety recall, Blue Diamond has been a repeat target of class-action lawsuits related to its labeling practices, particularly for its flavored products. The most prominent of these involves the popular "Smokehouse" almonds.
- The core allegation: Lawsuits filed since 2020 claim that the "Smokehouse" name and packaging—featuring a red and orange color scheme and prominent lettering—deceive consumers into believing the almonds are traditionally smoked over wood.
- The reality: Plaintiffs argue the almonds' flavor comes from "natural hickory smoke flavor," a synthesized liquid smoke, which is not equivalent to actual smoking.
- Conflicting outcomes: Legal battles have seen mixed results. While some courts, like in Wisconsin, have dismissed similar claims, stating that "no reasonable consumer would interpret the label as describing the production method, versus flavor," other cases in different jurisdictions have moved forward. A New York class-action lawsuit filed as recently as 2025 has renewed the scrutiny.
These cases highlight the thin line between marketing flair and misleading claims, leaving consumers to wonder about the authenticity of the products they purchase.
Other Flavoring Controversies: Wasabi & Almond Breeze
These labeling issues aren't limited to the Smokehouse flavor. Other products have faced similar scrutiny:
- Wasabi & Soy Sauce Almonds: In 2019, a class-action lawsuit alleged that the "Wasabi & Soy Sauce" almonds did not contain real wasabi. Instead, the lawsuit claimed the flavor was derived from horseradish, an imitation that deceives consumers who believe they are buying an authentic wasabi product.
- Almond Breeze Vanilla Almondmilk: A class-action settlement was reached in 2022 concerning the labeling of vanilla-flavored Almond Breeze products. The lawsuit alleged that the labeling was misleading about the amount and presence of actual vanilla used.
- "Imitation Milk" Suit: A lawsuit claiming Almond Breeze should be labeled "imitation milk" due to being nutritionally inferior to dairy milk was dismissed, with a federal court ruling that a reasonable consumer wouldn't confuse the two.
Navigating Nutrition and Trust: What Consumers Should Know
These scandals underscore several crucial points for consumers focused on a healthy diet. Transparency in labeling is vital for making informed nutritional decisions. For example, flavored products like the Smokehouse almonds may contain added vegetable oils, like canola and safflower oil, and other additives, which some health-conscious consumers prefer to avoid. The use of liquid smoke flavoring, rather than traditional smoking, fundamentally alters the product's preparation and can affect taste and perceived quality.
Consumers following specific diets, such as organic or minimally processed regimens, are particularly impacted by these labeling issues. The presence of non-organic ingredients and moderate processing, as noted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for some Blue Diamond products, can clash with consumer expectations.
Comparison of Blue Diamond Product Allegations
| Product | Primary Allegation | Resolution | Impact on Consumers | Relevant Citations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk Almonds | Potential Salmonella contamination in certain lots. | Voluntary recall and recovery of affected product. | High food safety risk, though contained to bulk ingredients. | , |
| Smokehouse Almonds | Deceptive labeling regarding actual smoking process, using liquid smoke instead. | Mixed legal outcomes, including dismissals and ongoing suits. | Misleading marketing affects perception of product authenticity and price. | ,, |
| Wasabi & Soy Sauce Almonds | Using horseradish instead of real wasabi for flavoring. | Class-action lawsuit filed in 2019. | Consumers paying a premium for a non-authentic flavor. | , |
| Almond Breeze (Vanilla) | Misleading labeling about the presence and amount of real vanilla. | Settlement reached in 2022. | Affected consumers were eligible for compensation. | , |
| Almond Breeze (as "milk") | Should be labeled "imitation milk" due to nutritional profile. | Lawsuit dismissed in 2019, affirming consumer understanding. | Upheld that consumers are not confused by the term "almond milk". | , |
A Call for Greater Transparency
The various issues faced by Blue Diamond highlight a broader challenge in the food industry: balancing appealing marketing with honest product representation. For brands, this involves clearer labeling that informs consumers about how products are flavored and processed. For consumers, it’s a reminder to read ingredient lists carefully and not rely solely on front-of-package messaging. The public's growing demand for transparency is pushing brands to be more accountable, and these scandals serve as a powerful catalyst for change. For example, other companies have explicitly stated their use of flavorings on the front of their packaging.
Conclusion: Lessons from the Blue Diamond Controversies The Blue Diamond Almonds scandal is not a single event but a series of distinct issues concerning food safety and honest marketing. The 2022 Salmonella recall, though limited to bulk products, demonstrated the importance of robust internal controls. More enduring are the ongoing lawsuits over deceptive labeling for flavored items like "Smokehouse" and "Wasabi & Soy Sauce" almonds, as well as past settlements concerning Almond Breeze. These controversies collectively serve as a powerful cautionary tale about the need for corporate transparency and a reminder for consumers to remain vigilant about what is truly in their food, beyond the alluring headlines and brand images. For more information on class action lawsuits, you can visit ClassAction.org.
Note: This article details past and ongoing allegations and does not represent a statement of fact on Blue Diamond's current practices. Consumers should refer to the company's official statements and product labels for the most up-to-date information.
