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Almond Board of California's Technical Expert Review Panel Approves Non-Roasting Bulk Pasteurization Processes from RF Biocidics' APEX Food Safety System
[July 20, 2016]

Almond Board of California's Technical Expert Review Panel Approves Non-Roasting Bulk Pasteurization Processes from RF Biocidics' APEX Food Safety System


RF Biocidics today announced that its APEX 85, a newly revamped chemical-free food safety system that uses specialized radio frequency technology to significantly reduce the level of harmful pathogens from foods, received the Almond Board of California's Technical Expert Review Panel (TERP) certification for pasteurization. This certification validates the Company's chemical-free pasteurization processes for raw almonds at Sran Family Orchards at Kerman, CA (News - Alert).

"RF Biocidics is proud to be able to help farmers, growers and food producers navigate this new era of food safety and federal regulation," said Vincent Chun, board member of RF Biocidics, and Vice President of Allied Minds (LSE: ALM), its parent company. "Consumer demand and the Food Safety Modernization Act are guiding the food industry towards organic, chemical-free processes, so APEX 85's TERP certification is perfectly aligned with the market's needs. We believe our radio-frequency technology will be a compelling alternative for California's 6,800 almond growers because it has minimal change to the taste and texture of the nut."

Last year's 639 million pound almond harvest represented the second highest on record. California is the world's largest producer of almonds and has been the beneficiary of a 33 percent spike in United States consumption in the past five years. RF Biocidics' newest APEX 85 system helps growers create a "Goldilocks Effect" when preparing their almonds as the machine makes it easy to maintain temperatures high enough to achieve microbial reduction for pasteurization, but not so high as to roast the almonds. APEX machines safely reduce harmful pathogens from a wide variety of foods such as nuts, seeds, and spices, making them safe for consumers.



"This technology is truly a game-changer for the almond industry and we are proud to be the only processor in the United States with this validation for natural almonds," said Lakhy Sran, partner at Sran Family Orchards. "It brings Sran Family Orchards to the next level in terms of food safety and enables us to offer our customers natural almonds with superior, unaltered texture and taste."

Sran Family Orchards processes organic and conventional almonds in California's Central Valley. The farm has been a part of the almond industry for the past 10 years. The company will use RF Biocidics' APEX 85 to manage pasteurization of natural almonds. While TERP validates the pasteurization, processors are also interested in meeting consumer demands for good taste and texture. This new technology allows Sran Family Orchards to accomplish both.


About RF Biocidics
RF Biocidics manufactures equipment and develops processes that use specialized radio frequency technology to significantly reduce the level of harmful pathogens from foods. The resulting process is an effective, chemical-free, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional steam heat or chemical pasteurization methods. RF Biocidics provides integrated custom solutions that best meet customers' immediate and long-term processing goals. RF Biocidics is an Allied Minds company headquartered in Sacramento, California. www.rfbiocidics.com.

About Allied Minds
Allied Minds is a diversified holding company focused on venture creation within the life science and technology sectors. With unparalleled access to hundreds of university and federal labs across the U.S., Allied Minds forms, funds, and operates a portfolio of companies to generate long-term value for its investors and stakeholders. Based in Boston, with nationwide presence in Los Angeles and New York, Allied Minds supports its businesses with capital, central management, and shared services. For more information, please visit www.alliedminds.com.

Allied Minds Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains statements that are or may be forward-looking statements, including statements that relate to the company's future prospects, developments and strategies. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, those risk and uncertainties described in the risk factors included in the company's regulatory filings. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding the present and future business strategies of the company and the environment in which it will operate in the future. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as at the date of this press release. Except as required by law, regulatory requirement, the Listing Rules and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules, neither the company nor any other party intends to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.


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