disappointing

Yes - the update was disappointing because we have a significant Chinese hiccup.

But more disappointing has been all the over-reactions and misunderstandings expressed here.

There has been a problem (now fixed) with the fist shipment to China for field testing. This is unacceptable - but it has happened - and the important question now is "has it been fixed to the satisfaction of SBN's clients (in this case SiYi)". The update says the problem has been fixed - so the field trials are to proceed, albeit with a smaller batch.

The issue is complicated though - in the same way that last year's request for additional measurement calibration studies were required from Dr Sun - but is addressable (just as that matter was).

It seems that what ever went wrong with that first batch had something to do with temperature. But SBL has done nothing wrong. It's product info has very clear guideleines on the parameters of use - including use-by dates, storage (between 2 and 30 degrees celsius) and handling during testing.

SiYi and MPS have had access to this data for a long time - but just now, because of an event, are making an issue of it. SBN and SiYi now has an extra task - in finding a solution to the temperature issue - and they expect to resolve this in the current roll-out timelines.

That is, they are still expecting final approval by the middle of the year.

Anyone who just wants to sound off about this hiccup should instead call one of the directors and find out exactly what has happened - and how it is being addressed.

And leaving China aside, there were some positives, as pointed out by Serpie and Aj - a more upbeat note (than in the December update) re Mexico, a prudent trimming of costs and slow but some progress in Russia and Canada.

And Bantry - yes, you really do need to watch those assumptions and jumping to conclusions. I know DH - and his silence has nothing to do with SBN (he no longer has anything to do with HC). And I doubt that the others you mentioned have 'rushed for the exits' - but let them tell us.

This could well be my last post - as I am sure that many of you will be disparaging of my take and feel the need to 'shoot the messenger'.