Martek wins omega-3 EU Novel Foods approval
If the draft is ratified as expected it will mean Martek will be able to employ its DHA(docosahexaenoic acid) imbued algal oil in bakery products, cereal bars and beverages including milk-based and milk analogue drinks.
The approval adds to 2003 Novel Foods approval for breakfast cereals, spreadable fat and dressings, dairy products (excluding milk-based and milk analogue drinks) and food supplements.
Martek has about 30 products on market in the EU’s 27 member states in those categories, employing its algae-sourced form of omega-3.
"This additional novel food approval will allow Martek to work in even more food and beverage categories and offer European consumers the important benefits of DHA in healthy and convenient products with life'sDHA for brain, eye and heart health," said Martek director of scientific affairs in Europe, Rob Winwood, PhD, in a statement.
It is expected the draft opinion will be formally published in the Official Journal of the European Union by year’s end.
The Maryland-based company was unavailable for further comment before publication.
DHA has been linked with infant development and brain health and for this reason, DHA has become a near standard fortification in infant formula in North America.
