Press Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, March 13, 2001
Contact: Peter Webb Public Relations, Inc.
Kris Staaf, (303) 796-8888

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Aronow & Pollock Communications, Inc.
Elizabeth Mankin or Barbara King, (212) 941-1414

Only Patented BroccoSprouts Guaranteed to Contain 20 Times the Antioxidant Compound SGS as Mature Broccoli

BALTIMORE, Apr. 1, 1999 - The future of nutrition is here - and it's in the form of Fresh Alternatives^™ BroccoSprouts^®, which roll out nationwide this month. BroccoSprouts are the first and only patented product guaranteed to contain 20 times the concentration of a natural phytochemical (plant compound) called SGS (sulforaphane glucosinolate) as mature, cooked broccoli. BroccoSprouts are the result of research conducted at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, which identified specific varieties of broccoli sprouts as the most concentrated source of naturally occurring SGS.^{1, 2} It is believed this is the first time a plant has been grown specifically to increase its antioxidant content.

BroccoSprouts are grown from selected broccoli seeds; only light and water are added. They are harvested after growing for three to four days. BroccoSprouts are a dietary supplement designed to be added to a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. One ounce of BroccoSprouts has the same amount of SGS as 1-1/4 pounds (20 ounces) of mature, cooked broccoli. Evidence is persuasive that low fat diets rich in fruits and vegetables like broccoli and containing vitamins A and C and fiber may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Experts suggest BroccoSprouts are a sensible way to supplement such a diet.

"The evidence in laboratory animals is promising that SGS, which is found naturally in broccoli, may help the body to disarm cancer-causing agents at an early stage," says Paul Talalay, M.D., professor of pharmacology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and director of the research team that made the broccoli sprout discovery. These results have not yet been validated in humans. Clinical studies are underway at Johns Hopkins to confirm or deny this observation.

Not All Sprouts Are Created Equal - The BroccoSprouts Guarantee

Studies show that all broccoli sprouts are not alike. Of more than 50 different varieties of broccoli seeds tested over the past five years, Johns Hopkins researchers found that only a few varieties produced sprouts that contained high concentrations of SGS. BroccoSprouts are unique in that the sprouts are grown only from these specially identified and selected seeds.

To maintain guaranteed SGS levels - at 20 times the concentration of mature broccoli - BroccoSprouts are then grown under controlled scientific conditions, adding only water and light. All facilities that grow BroccoSprouts must adhere to carefully developed quality and safety control procedures. As part of the product's high standards, growers are required to submit weekly sprout samples, which are stringently tested by state-of-the-art instruments for SGS levels, as well as for purity and quality. Growers and their facilities must also pass regular on-site inspections.

BroccoSprouts Roll-out Nationwide

BroccoSprouts were first introduced into supermarkets in the Chicago area in 1998, followed by distribution to a limited number of markets in the Midwest. The product will be available nationwide in March in supermarkets such as A&P, Albertson's, Foodtown, Safeway, Wegman's and Shop Rite, among others, and in specialty food stores.

BroccoSprouts, which are also a good source of vitamin C, are available in four-ounce packages with approximately four, one-ounce servings per container. They will be sold in the produce section of supermarkets with a suggested retail price of $2.99. A percentage of sales will be contributed to The Brassica Foundation for Chemoprotection Research for support of further research into the link between diet and cancer.

In addition to BroccoSprouts, the Brassica Sprout Group also markets a line of three distinct Broccoli Sprout Blends - Salad Style, Sandwich Style and Deli Style - under the Fresh Alternatives brand name.

The Brassica Sprout Group (BSG) is a joint venture between two organizations, the Sholl Group II, Inc., and Brassica Protection Products LLC (BPP). BPP was created by scientists at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine to develop products made from plants that provide SGS or other potentially protective phytochemicals and ensure they are made available to the public consistent with the highest possible scientific standards. BPP is the exclusive worldwide licensee of the patent for SGS-enhanced broccoli sprouts issued to Johns Hopkins University. BPP has sublicensed this patent only to the Brassica Sprout Group.

The Sholl Group II, Inc., is a leader in the fresh produce industry and is the exclusive licensor of the Green Giant^® Fresh name. The Sholl Group pioneered the use of Good Manufacture Practice (GMP) and auditing in marketing safe, value-added fresh produce concepts to the consumer.

For more information about Fresh Alternatives BroccoSprouts or Sprout Blends, consumers are encouraged to call toll-free 1-888-551-8989 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CST.