Martek lodges Novel Foods application for omega-3
The Maryland-based firm lodged the application for Schizochytrium microalgae-derived DHA-O via the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA) for use in food supplements, biscuits, cooking oils, breakfast cereals and bakery products.
It already has EU approval to use other DHA versions and intended using the new oil in similar applications.
Europe's Novel Foods regulation (EC No 258/97) requires any food or ingredient not commonly consumed in the EU prior to May 1997 to undergo safety assessment before it can be sold across the EU's 27-member bloc.
It is a notoriously long-winded and unpopular process that has been much criticised by industry for stalling innovation, and the European Commission has hinted for some time that it will be simplified or streamlined or both.
