The company’s CEO Jose Maria Roset said in a release: “The Friend of the Sea certificate places Biosearch Life one step forward in its environmental commitment and helps expand the market with clients whose motivation coincides with the same goals of fostering the future of the marine species.”
The Granada-headquarted company produces EPA and DHA-rich oils, emulsions and micro-encapsulated powder for use in foods like dairy products, baby food, functional drinks and bread.
Now the crude fish oils used to produce its ingredient range Eupoly-3 will be made from FOS-approved suppliers.
Over 450 seafood companies from over 50 countries have turned to FOS to assess sustainability, and there has been increasing interest from the omega-3 industry.
Last year FOS said it had certified a total of 76 companies from 23 different countries producing fish oil, fish meal, fish feed and omega-3 supplements.
In 2012, when it announced its push to certify the marine-sourced omega-3, this number was quoted as 32 suppliers from 11 countries.
The FOS sustainable check list includes:
-Target stock to be not overexploited
-Fishery to generate maximum 8% discards
-No by-catch of endangered species
-No impact on the seabed
-Compliance with regulations (TAC, IUU, FOC, minimum size, etc.)
-Social accountability
-Gradual reduction of carbon footprint
Other standards for the sector include that from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).