How To Improve On A Miracle
The harvesting and processing methods used to make AFA available are among the many critical factors making Super Blue Green Algae so special. Freshwater algae are more sensitive to heat, light, and rapid spoilage than their cousins, the edible seaweeds. In traditional times, some native cultures in Africa and the Americas used simple sun-drying methods to process their freshwater algae, but it is likely that a significant amount of nutrition was lost. This is not a problem with SBGA because of the unique care Simplexity Health takes in harvesting and processing the algae.
The Perfect Spot
AFA is harvested from the unspoiled natural environment of Upper Klamath Lake. Simplexity Health takes great care in scouting for the very best locations on the lake, and we continually monitor the water and surroundings to make sure we are harvesting under optimal conditions, keeping both quality and quantity in mind?that is, we harvest only the highest quality species of blue-green microalgae and the quantity, or biomass, that is most favorable to the delicate ecology. Not only does the company keep a close eye on the ecosystem, but our organic certifier monitors the watershed periodically.
What's responsible for the marvelous environment in which AFA proliferates? The ecosystem of southern Oregon includes Crater Lake, a world-renowned source of volcanic soil, the same soil that provides an abundant supply of minerals and other nutrients to nourish the AFA that grows abundantly in Upper Klamath Lake.
Lake Harvesting
In 2001 we developed an exclusive harvesting process that begins as our one-of-a-kind Lake Harvester screens algae directly from the lake. Within minutes the algae is chilled to about 40F, quickly preserving the AFA in pristine condition. Next, excess water along with extraneous matter is removed, leaving a clean and high algae-solids content; for example, 100 wet pounds at 7% algae content yields 7 dry pounds. A final cleansing step removes any remaining extraneous material.
The technology that we have invented and incorporated into our Lake Harvester is unique and the quality and condition of the algae that it harvests is absolutely superior.
Simplexity Health's Process
The high integrity of Simplexity Health products depends on a complex series of integrated procedures, beginning aboard the Lake Harvester and concluding at our onshore facilities.
- PRE-SCREENING: Fresh AFA is filtered out of the water through fine mesh screens.
- PRIMARY SEPARATION: Primary separators remove everything suspended in the lake water. The algae is further concentrated by removing virtually all of the extracellular water.
- CHILLING: The AFA is quickly chilled in the "Cool Boat" to less than 40°F.
- SECONDARY SEPARATION: Secondary separators remove any remaining extraneous materials.
- TRANSPORT: High-speed boats transport the AFA to shore, where it is pumped into stainless steel food-grade tanks (milk trucks) that carry the algae to our nearby processing facility.
- FREEZING: At the onshore facility, the algae is quickly frozen and converted into slabs at a temperature of -10°F; this process takes 2-3 hours. The frozen product is then sealed in bags and stored in a deep freeze at 0º F to await the drying process.
- DRYING: All cellular water is gently removed in a low-temperature environment, thereby converting the frozen algae into a dry, stable, semifine powder, medium to dark green in color, with a mild taste and aroma, and with virtually all of the original nutrients intact.
The Drying Process
We use BioActive Dehydration™, a low-temperature spray-drying process that involves drying the algae at less than 105F, which means it is considered a "raw" food. The proprietary Oxy-Guard™ system prevents oxidation during drying. This is important because oxidation degrades the algae. Testing of heat-sensitive nutrients such as chlorophyll, beta-carotene, and enzymes validates that this drying process effectively preserves AFA's nutritional profile. Dried microalgae is sealed in barrier bags (with O2 removed) and then stored in a refrigerated warehouse, thereby assuring freshness.
Further Testing
After drying, each batch of algae goes through an intensive test cycle by independent, certified labs for nutrient content (pigments, vitamins, and protein). Levels of contaminants (e.g., harmful bacteria and other microbes, heavy metals, pesticides, and natural toxins) are carefully evaluated. Finally, physical characteristics such as bulk density and flow properties, which affect encapsulation and tablet pressing, are examined.
Manufacturing Products
Now our high-quality bulk SBGA powder is ready to be manufactured into supplements?tablets, capsules, and powder blends. Bottling and labeling follow time-tested procedures, including analysis of random samples. The finished products are stored in our refrigerated warehouse awaiting shipment to customers. Simplexity is unique among algae producers in that we do 95% of the manufacturing ourselves, and we do not outsource our call center operations. This allows us to be flexible, maintain quality, and adhere to necessary timelines while keeping costs as low as possible.
Quality Control
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) devised food manufacturing practices in 1969 and modernized them in 2004. The FDA's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines for dietary supplements were issued in 2007. GMP guidelines cover every facet of manufacturing, including:
- Personnel are thoroughly trained; they wear GMP-approved garments, including hair nets; eating, drinking, and tobacco use on the job are prohibited in GMP areas.
- Manufacturing plant with proper drainage systems, litter control, and parking lots.
- Sanitary operations involve cleaning compounds, pest control, and cleansing procedures.
- Sanitary facility includes the water supply and sewage system, hand-washing regulations, and installation of self-closing doors.
- Equipment and utensils are food-grade, non-toxic, and well-maintained and, where appropriate, utilize compressed air.
- Controls for raw materials (inspection, testing, storage) and processing steps such as encapsulation and bottling.
- Warehouse designed to protect food from contamination.
Certifications and Registrations
- NSF International certification provides label verification assuring that what's on the label is in the bottle; that is, the active ingredients and nutrients listed on the product label are in the supplement. For example, if the label states that the formula contains 10,000 units of an enzyme, that amount is in the bottle. Products that are not certified may or may not contain the active ingredients and nutrients listed on the product label. NSF International certification also assures that there are no unacceptable levels of contaminants present in the supplement and that the manufacturer meets GMP standards.
- We are the only AFA-processing company to have achieved Good Manufacturing Practice registration. Our customers can therefore be assured that Simplexity products are of high quality. SimpleXity is inspected quarterly for GMP compliance by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and by the U.S. FDA on a random basis.
- Simplexity has been organic-certified according to the USDA's National Organic Program since 2001. We are also organic-certified to standards of Europe, Japan, and Canada.
- Our organic certifier, Pro-Cert, inspects the watershed and performs a thorough audit of our facilities, equipment, ingredients, cleaning procedures, and records. An annual audit by Pro-Cert verifies that all criteria are being met.
- Kosher certification is done by Star-K, who inspects periodically with a focus on kosher regulations and ingredients.
- Halal is an Arabic word meaning "lawful or permitted" for use by Muslims. The inspection process is similar to that of other such certifiers, but with a focus on halal policies. Halal certification is done by the Islamic Food And Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA).
