A Personal Update Regarding Our Broccoli Sprout Powder I wanted to personally address our customers regarding the recent recall of our Freeze-Dried Broccoli Sprout Powder. We had been purchasing and supplying this particular freeze-dried broccoli sprout powder for quite some time, based on the specifications and information provided to us for the raw material. More recently, another brand with a particular focus on broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane arranged for our finished product to be independently tested, without our prior knowledge. Their testing indicated that the sulforaphane level was significantly below the amount stated on our label, and they subsequently contacted us to bring this to our attention. This prompted us to investigate the matter immediately. During that investigation, we identified that the sulforaphane amount printed on our label was incorrect. Somewhere over time, a decimal place had been removed. The specification we had been working from was 3.5–4.5 mg of sulforaphane per gram, yet the finished label was 35-45mg. The label was never intended to claim such an extraordinarily high and, in practical terms, difficult-to-achieve level of sulforaphane in a freeze-dried broccoli sprout powder. We also arranged independent third-party testing ourselves. The results returned very low levels of sulforaphane, which understandably raised further concerns. However, I need to clarify that the laboratory subsequently advised us that it was unable to perform the specific testing methodology required to properly determine the sulforaphane potential of this type of material. We then established that the particular material submitted for this testing had been manufactured more than a year earlier. This is relevant because sulforaphane is known to be an unstable compound and its levels can decline considerably over time depending on processing and storage conditions. Our supplier continues to maintain that its own third-party testing supports the original raw material specification of 3.5–4.5 mg of sulforaphane per gram. We are therefore arranging further testing of additional samples to try to establish a clearer and more reliable understanding of the actual sulforaphane levels. At this point, however, we cannot confidently verify the level of sulforaphane present in the ingredient. Given that uncertainty, together with the fact that our labels were so substantially incorrect, we acted responsibly and are recalling all affected stock from the marketplace. To every practitioner, retailer and consumer affected by this recall, I am sincerely sorry. As a family-owned Australian company, we take the trust people place in our products very seriously. I also want to make it clear that, prior to this matter being raised through external testing, we had never received a customer complaint regarding the performance or quality of this Broccoli Sprout Powder. The recall was not initiated because of reports of harm or adverse reactions from our customers. It arose because questions were raised regarding whether the sulforaphane level stated on our label could be substantiated. That does not change our responsibility to investigate the matter thoroughly and correct the issue. Broccoli sprouts and sulforaphane are technically challenging ingredients. Sulforaphane can degrade depending on factors including processing, storage, moisture and temperature, as well as the relationship between glucoraphanin and the myrosinase enzyme involved in producing sulforaphane. This experience has made us look much more closely at whether it is possible to develop or source a broccoli sprout product capable of providing a more reliable and stable level of sulforaphane throughout its shelf life. We will not rush this! We will not simply replace the existing product and put something else onto the market for the sake of having a Broccoli Sprout Powder available. If we return with a new broccoli sprout or sulforaphane product, it will only be when we are satisfied that we properly understand the ingredient, the testing methodology, its stability over time and, most importantly, what we can genuinely and responsibly state on the label. Thank you to all of our customers, practitioners and retailers who have supported Biogenics over the years. We are always learning, and when something needs correcting, I believe the right thing to do is acknowledge it, investigate it, take responsibility and improve. Ebba Gillard-Rosier Biogenics Pty Ltd