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Initiative To Ensure The Safety Of Organic Nori Sheets From Japan

For Immediate Release
Contact: Mic LeBel (207) 563-7695
mic@planetfriendlypr.com

This announcement is being made by Zach Adelman, CEO and founder of Navitas Naturals

Novato, CA (April 15, 2011) The three-pronged disaster in Japan and news about radiation and pollution has caused some Navitas Naturals customers to inquire about the safety of our Organic Raw Nori Sheets. That is a good question, and customers should know that we are listening and taking action to address any concerns. Food safety is very important to our whole team here at Navitas Naturals, and it is demonstrated by our rigorous HACCP food safety system.

The Existing Stock of Nori at the Navitas Warehouse is from before the Tsunami Disaster

There are three factors that ensure the current and future safety of Navitas Naturals Nori products. First, it is important for customers to know that all of the existing stock in our warehouse was harvested and shipped to California before the earthquake and tsunami. This inventory will take us into the summer.

The Source of Navitas Naturals Nori Sheets is Far From the Disaster Region

Second, it is important to consider the origin of our Nori products in the Sea of Japan, which is off the southwestern coast of Japan, far from the epicenter of the earthquake, tsunami and damaged nuclear power plant in the Northeastern region of Japan. Furthermore, the prevailing wind and ocean currents on the affected northeastern coast on the open Pacific ocean flow to the east, not toward the source of our Nori. It is extremely unlikely that any impacts from the disaster could even begin to threaten the separate ecosystem and harvesting area on the other "Asian continent" side of Japan.

All New Nori Shipments from Japan will be Tested for Radiation

Regardless of the geographical and environmental unlikelihood of contamination spreading to the coast of southwestern Japan, and in order to bolster the confidence of our customers, we have established a new protocol to perform radiation testing on all future Nori shipments coming in to Navitas Naturals.

Despite the announcement of these safeguards, we do not want people to fear all products from Japan. We are trying to help raise awareness that despite the earthquake and tsunami, the vast majority of Japanese products remain completely unaffected and are safe. The Japanese people want to get back to work and their way of life, and citizens in North America buying safe products that help the Japanese farmers and fisherman maintain their traditional livelihoods is a great way to help.

About Navitas Naturals Nori Sheets

Nori is a 'superfood' from the sea that has been celebrated in Japanese culture for its nutrition and culinary versatility since at least the 8th century. Most recently, this flavorful red sea algae has been gaining popularity in North America as a sushi wrap. Navitas Naturals Organic Raw Nori Sheets are certified organic, vegan and raw. To make Organic Raw Nori Sheets, premium Nori is pressed and dried in a manner that resembles ancient papermaking. This process is performed at low temperatures to maintain nutritional integrity and status as a raw food. Only the finest Nori is hand-selected for Navitas Naturals to ensure quality.

Navitas Naturals Nori Sheets contain 50% protein, the highest of any seaweed. The Nori Sheets are an abundant source of important minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and lignans. In particular, Nori contains a wealth of A and B vitamins, iodine, carotene, calcium, iron and zinc, and it is low in fat. It is also worth noting that the bio-availability and digestibility of Nori's many nutrients are enhanced by its naturally high fiber content.

Nori sheets are commonly used as wraps for sushi and onigiri, and Navitas Naturals also recommends Organic Raw Nori as a garnish or flavoring in noodle and rice recipes, salads, dips and soups. Nori is also traditionally enjoyed in a soy sauce-flavored paste that is known as noritsukudani. Another creative recipe idea, recently put forth by the "Minimalist" food column of the New York Times, is to segment and toast Nori Sheets and enjoy them as a crispy potato chip alternative.

About Navitas Naturals

Nutrient-rich whole foods are at their best when they are produced via organic agriculture and minimal processing methods. That is why all Navitas Naturals products are certified organic, and use methods such as freeze-drying to ensure maximum nutrition. Food safety is very important to Navitas Naturals, which is demonstrated by the rigorous third-party testing of their superfoods. Since 2003, Navitas Naturals has been committed to socially responsible business. Their direct purchasing partnerships create and expand fair trade opportunities for farming communities in developing regions around the world. In addition to Nori Sheets, Navitas Naturals offers a vast selection of organic superfoods such as raw cacao, hemp seeds, acai, maca, camu, pomegranate, chia seeds, mulberries and goji berries.