The certification means no natural ecosystem has been destroyed in harvesting for the oil, according to FoE assessment and it emphasised that no irrigation was used.
The FoE assessment recognises agriculture that:
- reduces the impact on the ecosystem to a negligible level
- improves energy efficiency and waste management
- uses integrated pest management practices
- complies with regulations
- implements social responsibility practices
"Social accountability and environmental conservation are core values for Polaris," said marketing manager Véronique Sancéau.
"In this sense we believe FoE certification represents another important recognition for our company, following Friend of the Seacertification [for its marine omega-3 oils in 2010].”
Linseed-like
Inca Inchi virgin oil also contains alpha-tocopherol vitamin E, vitamin C and carotenoids and is being marketed to the supplement, food and table oil sectors. It won EU novel food approval in 2013 after an application from another French supplier, Perles de Gascogne.
Inca Inchi is available in other South American countries, the US, Switzerland, Japan and China.
Perles de Gascogne and the Peruvian producer, Agroindustrias Amazonias, first applied for EU approval in 2005. It stalled until the application was successfully shifted to focus on linseed oil substantial equivalence.
Agroindustrias Amazonias has an omega-3 project which it says seeks to join "farmers, private companies, universities, local and regional governments, and any other that may contribute to its development."
The producer as well as Polaris have full compliance with Social Accountability requirements. In addition, the positive economic return has helped improve farmers’ living standard.
Omega-3s are most researched for heart and brain benefits.
NutraIngredients’ Omega-3 forum – April 8. Head winds & trade wins
Tap the latest from the industry and scientific frontiers in the ever-changing and expansive omega-3 space in a no-holds barred debate on April 8.
It’s a €25bn sector but can it keep growing amid scientific and sustainability challenges? Misappropriated research? Plant v marine? Emerging v Emerged markets? Changing demographics.
Tune in to find out…simple registration available here.