There is some science out there that nuts and more specifically walnuts can help your health with Omega-3 and unsaturated fats.  Both of which have been determined to be good for your overall health.  And Diamond foods is shouting on it's labels and web site.  In fact  Diamond Foods is not the only walnut group shouting the praises of this tiny dynamo.  The California Walnut growers association pretty much dedicates a section of its site to health professionals talking about the health benefits of the nuts. Have a look, http://www.walnuts.org/walnuts/index.cfm/health-professionals/ .

Now on to what the FDA said.

FEB 22 2010

WARNING LETTER

VIA OVERNIGHT MAIL
Michael J Mendes, President and Chief Executive
Diamond Food, Inc.
1050 S. Diamond St.
Stockton, California 95201
Re: CFSAN-OC-10-11
Dear Mr. Mendes:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reviewed the label for your "Diamond of California Shelled Walnuts" products and your website at www.diamondnuts.com. Based on our review, we have concluded that your walnut products are in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) and the applicable regulations in Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR). You can find copies of the Act and these regulations through links in FDA's home page at http://www.fda.gov.
Website
Based on claims made on your firm's website, we have determined that your walnut products are promoted for conditions that cause them to be drugs because these products are intended for use in the prevention, mitigation, and treatment of disease. The following are examples of the claims made on your firm's website under the heading of a web page stating "OMEGA-3s ... Every time you munch a few walnuts, you're doing your body a big favor.":
• "Studies indicate that the omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts may help lower cholesterol; protect against heart disease, stroke and some cancers; ease arthritis and other inflammatory diseases; and even fight depression and other mental illnesses."
• "[O]mega-3 fatty acids inhibit the tumor growth that is promoted by the acids found in other fats ... "
• "[I]n treating major depression, for example, omega-3s seem to work by making it easier for brain cell receptors to process mood-related signals from neighboring neurons."