Certified Organic Process Reduces Contaminants in Botanical Herbs

LONG BEACH, Calif., April 27, 2006 - BI Nutraceuticals, the leading supplier of quality raw materials and custom blends for 30 years, today introduced Protexx HP(TM), a unique steam sterilization process for the company's extensive line of herbal powders that uses super-heated dry steam to reduce microbiological load with results comparable to that of treatment with ethylene oxide or irradiation without the potential regulatory issues. Protexx HP delivers maximum reduction in potential contaminants while preserving color, flavor and bioactive components.

"Manufacturers using irradiated or chemically-treated ingredients are exposing their business to potential liabilities and their customers to dangerous toxic residues," stated George Pontiakos, President and CEO, BI Nutraceuticals.  "By using ingredients that have been purified via our Protexx HP steam sterilization process, manufacturers can guarantee their customers a product that is safe and completely natural."
   
Ethylene oxide has been identified as a carcinogenic and a reproductive toxin.  Due to environmental concerns, it has been banned throughout Europe and is illegal in the U.S. except when specifically approved for use on certain crops.  Irradiation has also been banned in Europe. In the U.S, manufacturers must abide by strict labeling laws in order to market dietary supplements treated with gamma irradiation.  Not only is steam the preferred form of sterilization in Europe, it is a truly organic sterilization process. The Protexx HP steam sterilization process has been certified organic by Quality Assurance International.  Unlike ethylene oxide and irradiation, the Protexx HP steam sterilization process does not leave any residue, is completely natural, is environmentally friendly and does not require any type of additional label declarations.
    
BI Nutraceuticals, headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., is a full service supplier of dietary supplement and functional food ingredients including whole herb powders and teas, standardized and drug ratio extracts, custom blends, vitamins, minerals and other specialty supplements.  All BI ingredients undergo stringent quality analysis that includes heavy metal, pesticide and irradiation testing.  All herbal powder ingredients are also tested under the company¹s Identilok(R) species identification process.  The company has also developed a proprietary process, UltraHD(R), which creates high-density herbal powders allowing for superior flow and less dusting during the manufacturing process.  Additionally, BI Nutraceuticals offers several value-added services including particle engineering, drum to hopper formulas and steam sterilization via the company¹s Protexx HP(TM) process.

For more information visit www.botanicals.com.

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