The Almond Board of California (Modesto, Calif.) has released an Educational Workbook for Developing a Qualified Heart Health Claim for California Almonds. This workbook was developed for industry members to determine if a product that boasts almonds as a key ingredient is eligible to carry the new, FDA-authorized, qualified health claim.

The workbook provides a step-by-step approach for manufacturers to assess which of their existing or new products may carry the qualified health claim.

Record almond production has been met with record shipments over the last two years. Over the same time frame, consumers are reporting significant increased understanding of almonds' health benefits. In fact, according to the Consumers Awareness Attitudes and Usage Study 2003, 64% of consumers agree that a product containing almonds is worth more money. To receive a free copy, contact the Almond Board of California, Lisa Tyndall, 209-549-8262, ltyndall@almondboard.com, www.almondsarein.com