The maker of algae-derived DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) says its omega-3 oils have been approved for use in infant formula by the federal agency since 2002. Therefore the present approval represents an expansion.
The approval will allow Martek to approach a wider array of Canadian food manufacturers with its recently branded life'sDHA.
"Martek will be better equipped to compete for the DHA-enriched food market in Canada with this additional approval," said Martek CEO Steve Dubin. "Now, more people will be able to benefit from Martek's life'sDHA, a vegetarian source of DHA omega-3 that can be incorporated into many foods without affecting the taste of the finished product."
The Canadian regulatory process for ingredients differs from the United States because it requires pre-market approval.
Martek has pointed out that most other DHA ingredients approved for food use in Canada are derived from fish oil. It says its DHA is unique in the market because it is derived from a sustainable and vegetarian source. Life'sDHA is made from farmed microalgae Martek says is free of the contaminants that may be present in certain fish.
DHA is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid that supports cognitive, eye and heart health. The approval allows for per serving levels of not less than 8 mg and not more than 100mg of Martek's DHA.
Martek said its DHA oils have been approved for use in infant formula in Canada since 2002.