The certification allows Calanus to display the FOS eco-label on its products, which Dr Ole Petter Pedersen, Calanus’ Head of Technology and Sustainability said, “verifies that zooplankton harvesting is done according to internationally accepted sustainability principles and follows a best-practice approach.”
As well as the use of omega-3 fatty acids in food supplement products, FOS’ eco-label can also be used on the firm’s protein derivate products that include its hydrolysate extract ed from the marine zooplankter Calanus finmarchicus.
The Tromsø -based firm’s main product is its bioactive form of omega-3 that is said to counteract insulin resistance and other obesity-induced metabolic disorders also exhibiting a potent anti-inflammatory effect.
Fish oil Codex standard
In June this year, the oil was named in an application by Norway to the Codex Alimentarius Commission to include the product as a named oil in the Codex Standard for Fish Oils.
Calanus’ oil was specifically named by Norwegian Food Safety Authority in an ongoing application to be included in the Codex Standard ‘CODEX STAN 329-2017,’ adopted three years ago.
“Harvesting of the world´s marine resources is a response to the public challenges of supplying the global population with marine fatty acids and protein from non-terrestrial sustainable sources", adds Dr Pedersen
“We strive every day to be on the leading edge of responsibility and to provide world class health from the ocean with our products. The common denominator to all we do and all we are is sustainability.”
FOS, a World Sustainability Organization project that focuses on seafood from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture remains the only certification scheme that certifies both wild and farmed seafood.
The organisation’s commitment to ensuring the increasing demand for omega-3 are met by sustainable sources saw them certify Liaoyu Antarctic Krill Technology Development back last month.
Liaoyu, located in the Dalian bay area on China’s Liaodong Peninsula started research on Antarctic krill in 2010 and fulfilling industrial production of Antarctic krill oil and krill products by 2015.
GC Rieber Oils
Closer to home, FOS renewed its certification of GC Rieber Oils’ omega-3 concentrates in October of this year.
The Norwegian firm said recertification by FOS was part of a ‘broader expansion’ of the company’s Omega-3 concentrate production facilities.
The factory’s expansion is said to double production output while the firm have also invested in research and development into its VivoMega range of omega-3 oils.
Commenting on Calanus’ latest certification, the firm’s Head of Sales and Marketing Jan Erik Olsen said, “In Calanus AS we offer a value proposition which includes a sustainability promise.
“Sustainability and traceability is not just a marketing tool for us. We are pioneering the utilisation of this vast resource that represents a new and sustainable source of nutrients to the people of the world.
“We take the responsibility that comes with being the first seriously and we are very proud to lead the way in this development”.
