Seaweed is often hailed as a superfood, packed with essential nutrients and health benefits. However, it’s important to remember that seaweed absorbs all its nutrients directly from its ocean environment, which is not static - ocean currents and conditions change constantly. This dynamic environment makes it crucial for us to test our seaweed for potential contaminants. In this blog post, we’ll take you through our rigorous testing processes and the steps we take to ensure the safety and quality of our Australian seaweed products.

The Importance of Regular Testing

Because seaweed absorbs nutrients from its surroundings, it can also take in contaminants, including harmful microbes and unhealthy levels of minerals and trace elements. Regular testing is essential to ensure that our seaweed products remain safe for consumption. By monitoring these factors, we can protect both our customers and the integrity of our products.

Comprehensive Testing for Safety

We take food safety seriously, which is why we conduct extensive testing of our seaweed through accredited third-party organisations. These independent tests are crucial for identifying any harmful substances that may be present. Our testing protocols include:

• Microbial Analysis: We regularly check for harmful microbes that could pose health risks. This ensures that our seaweed is not only nutritious but also safe to consume.

• Mineral and Trace Element Levels: We monitor the levels of minerals and trace elements to ensure they remain within healthy limits. This is particularly important because excessive amounts of certain minerals can lead to health issues.

Compliance with Standards

Our testing processes adhere to the ANZ Food Code, Schedule 19, which outlines the requirements for food safety. By following these established guidelines, we can ensure that our seaweed products meet the highest safety standards. Compliance not only reinforces our commitment to quality but also builds trust with our customers.

Collaborating with Local Authorities

In addition to adhering to national standards, we’ve engaged in extensive consultation with both the Victorian Health Department and local councils. Their expertise and guidance have been invaluable in developing our independently audited food safety plan. This plan covers every aspect of our operations - from harvesting and processing to packaging - ensuring that our practices align with the latest food safety protocols.

To further guarantee the safety and quality of our seaweed products, we’ve also implemented an independent auditing process. This means that our food safety plan is regularly reviewed by external experts, providing an extra layer of assurance. This rigorous approach not only protects our customers but also reinforces our commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the industry.

Conclusion

In a world where food safety is paramount, our commitment to rigorous testing and compliance sets us apart. We believe that consumers should feel confident in the products they choose and we work tirelessly to uphold that trust. By continuously monitoring our seaweed for contaminants and adhering to strict safety standards, we can deliver the best that the ocean has to offer - safely and responsibly.

Thank you for being part of our journey towards sustainable and safe seaweed consumption! If you have any questions about our processes or products, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help you make informed choices for your health.