Contact:
Kristen McCarthy Thomas, The Phelps Group, 310-752-4400
Lance Sigal, Earthrise Nutritionals, 949-623-0980 x205

Earthrise Spirulina Proven Free of Neurotoxin BMAA

IRVINE, CA., June 17, 2005 - Earthrise Nutritionals LLC announces that b-N-methylamino-L-Alanine (BMAA) has been found to be below detection limits in Earthrise® Spirulina. This was confirmed by analysis done at the laboratory of Dr. Wayne Carmichael, a renowned expert in cyanobacterial toxins and a full professor at Wright State University, Ohio.

Earthrise Nutritionals is aware that the article, "Diverse taxa of cyanobacteria produce b-N-methylamino-L-Alanine, a neurotoxic amino acid," by Dr. Paul Allen Cox et al., that appeared in the April 2005 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS 102:5074-5078) raised concerns regarding the safety of Spirulina, a dietary supplement with a proven record of safety. Spirulina was neither included among the 30 species studied nor referenced in the article; however, Earthrise Nutritionals took the proactive step of immediately contacting Cox with a request to analyze Earthrise Spirulina for traces of BMAA. Failing to obtain Cox's cooperation, Earthrise enlisted Carmichael's expertise in completing a full and accurate study. Using a method similar to that used by Cox and his group, Carmichael’s laboratory found that BMAA was below detection limits in Earthrise® Spirulina. As always, Earthrise Nutritionals, LLC, is committed to the safety and quality of its products and will continue to take the necessary action to ensure that its products are safe.

Spirulina is a special form of blue-green algae, and Earth’s most nutritious green super-food. It is rich in powerful phytonutrients such as phycocyanin and total carotenoids, including beta carotene (Vitamin A). Considered a plant, Spirulina also contains significant amounts of an easily absorbable form of iron. Earthrise Spirulina promotes immune health and provides antioxidant benefits. The company's product line includes basic Spirulina, as well as formulations for cleansing, weight management, digestive function, and specialty immune-system modulation.

Earthrise Nutritionals, LLC is the leading producer and a 25-year pioneer in the field of Spirulina production and marketing, and a leader in research on various applications of Spirulina. Corporate offices are located in Irvine, California, with production facilities in Calipatria, California. Earthrise is part of the worldwide DIC Group of companies, based in Tokyo. For more information on Earthrise products contact Lance Sigal or Ron Henson, 2151 Michelson Drive, Suite 258, Irvine, CA 91612, 800-949-7473.