Ancient Sun A.F.A. Blue-green Algae Ancient Sun Nutrition is a leading distributor of premium quality Klamath Lake Aphanizomenon flos-aquae blue-green algae. Our harvester's cost-efficient, vertically integrated systems from harvesting to on-site drying to end product production allow us to offer our wholesale and retail products at very reasonable, competitive prices. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is a unique dietary product with scientifically demonstrated health-promoting benefits. It contains a bounty of natural, vital nutrients and antioxidants to help nourish and protect the body, including chlorophyll, carotenoids, omega-3 fatty acids and phycocyanin. Many scientific studies performed by well-known universities and research centers support and validate the numerous reported benefits of Klamath Lake blue-green algae. Used alone or blended with other nutraceuticals and natural food products, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae will promote greater overall health.
DLT adheres to a stringent quality control program to ensure our products are only harvested under optimal conditions. Specific criteria are met to certify the quality of the end product. Our procedures utilize established organic methods to reduce bacterial load and provide a final product that meets food industry standards. All harvesting and processing are conducted in accordance with the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) set forth by the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA). Ancient Sun's harvester adheres to a stringent quality control program to ensure our products are only harvested under optimal conditions. Specific criteria are met to certify the quality of the end product. All harvesting and processing are conducted in accordance with the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) set forth by the National Nutritional Foods Association (NNFA).
Temperature One of the most important factors to preserve the integrity of harvested algae is the ability to chill algae as soon as possible and to constantly maintain the harvested algae at low temperature. On each harvesting vessel, the harvested algae is transferred to a refrigerated tank within minutes of being harvested. The time interval between harvesting and chilling is closely monitored. The temperature of the harvested algae is monitored throughout the entire process and maintained below 42 ° F at all time. <> Solid content refers to the quantity of solid algae particles per volume of liquid algae. In order to optimize the drying process and reduce the effect water removal during drying, the algae is further dewatered prior to drying using DLT’s proprietary Refractance Window™ process. To ensure optimal processing and highest quality, solid content of the harvested algae closely is monitored.Microbiology Various sanitary and health standards have been established in the food industry. DLT’s QA/QC program utilizes Organic methods to reduce bacterial load and provide a final product that exceeds all criteria of quality. The table below summarizes the various tests performed, along with the food industry and our harvester’s acceptable limits. Sanitation All surfaces that come in contact with algae, after removal from lake water, are made of food grade stainless steel and food grade hosing. All these surfaces are sanitized every day with pressured vapor, a food grade enzyme activated sanitizer and a paracetic acid-based sanitizer (Organic). Swab tests are performed randomly using bioluminescence assay to monitor the sanitation procedure. Records of all the cleaning procedures and swab tests are kept. Chlorophyll Content Chlorophyll is one of the first nutrients to degrade when the harvested algae is not rapidly chilled and handled with care. The amount of intact chlorophyll is monitored in the validation of every steps of the harvesting process and quantified in the final product. Pesticides The waters of Klamath Lake have been tested numerous times by local governmental agencies and since 1990 were always found free of pesticides and other chemical contaminants. Harvested algae has always been found free of pesticides. Nonetheless, to ensure the highest quality, a full pesticide profile is regularly performed on harvested algae. Heavy Metals Quality Control procedures for wildcrafted foods require monitoring for the presence of heavy metals. As part of our harvester’s comprehensive QA/QC Program, each lot is tested for the presence of heavy metals. |