Message from Rawesome Foods... We are a test case for the new powers given the FDA by the Food Safety Modernization Act which we believe are unconstitutional and whose jurisdiction does not apply to us as a private members food club.

Message from Rawesome Foods - Originally received on August 13, 2011 - republished on CollapseNet August 14, 2011

Dear Rawesome Members:

As you know from the media coverage, Rawesome Food Club has been thrown into the national news by the FDA, state and county raid on Rawesome on Aug 3, 2011 when James Stewart, Rawesome facilitator, Sharon Palmer of Healthy Family Farms, and Victoria Bloch, local chapter representative of the Weston Price Foundation were accused of conspiracy to produce unprocessed milk, arrested and jailed. We focused first on getting all parties out of jail, Victoria on her signature, James for $30,000 bail, and Sharon on $60,000 bail with conditions that they not talk to the media or continue their practices concerning dairy. As part of James’ bail condition, the property at 665 Rose can be searched without warrant at any time during the case. Legal teams have been formed for each. The next court date is a discovery hearing on Oct 6, 2011.

That’s a long way away, and it’s clear from the FDA raid timeline published by Mike Adams of Natural News that this is a common strategy to put the accused into financial crisis.

Our situation is one in which we members have to be highly organized, direct serious efforts toward fundraising, continue protesting and staying in the media, and stay positive. In-fighting is inappropriate. We need to close ranks.

We are a test case for the new powers given the FDA by the Food Safety Modernization Act which we believe are unconstitutional and whose jurisdiction does not apply to us as a private members food club.

Trust that we are preparing to fight for your real food rights at every step of the way. We are also committed to find a way as soon as possible to get you the quality raw food you are accustomed to and to which it is your right to have access. If action has not yet been taken, it is because we are being extremely strategic.

We need everyone’s support more than ever, and the support of your friends who share concern for the common right to freely associate, to choose the highest quality raw foods, and to self-regulate our standards far above the minimum standards required by the FDA.

If you would like to take action now:

• Please follow daily updates on Facebook/Real Food Rights for upcoming fundraising events, for media coverage, and for public discussion. 
• Please contact the following case instigators voicing your disdain. We need your voice with out it no one will know or care. The parties below are instigating the case against RAWESOME. Tell them that you do NOT want your taxpayer money used for harassing hardworking citizens trying to provide our community with the best quality raw foods:
  • Kelly Sakir- Deputy District Attorney- 213-580-3394;
  • Terrance Powell- Health Dept- 626-430-5330

;
  • Steve Cooley- LA County Distrcit Attorney- 213-974-3512;
  • Mayor Villaraigosa- 213-978-0600 or 213-978-0721;
  • Scarlett Traviso-State investigator with the Department of Food and Agriculture - info online.

We are working diligently on alternative measures that will enable the members to get their food as soon as possible.

Thank you.