GC Rieber: Innovating for optimal omega-3 oils
The new technology objectively analyses the key components contributing to the taste and smell of omega-3 oils, which are known to be prone to oxidation and degradation.
The process enables for a reproducible specification limit for each omega-3 oil batch to maintain optimal and consistent quality levels.
Ståle Søfting, sales and marketing director at GC Rieber VivoMega, commented: “This technology allows us to have the most accurate and objective measurement of the sensory profile of our VivoMega oils.
“We are incredibly proud of this development, which further backs our products as the ultimate omega-3s in quality, purity, and taste, allowing us to deliver the best possible product to the end user.”
Sensory standards
It is known that the current industry standard for measuring the sensory performance of oil consists of total oxidation value (TOTOX) to analyse oxidation levels, which is combined with evaluation from sensory panels.
These existing methods can be limited by various factors, including the significant subjectivity of panels and the potential lack of correlation of low TOXOX with high sensory performance over time.
Thus, to meet the need for a higher, objective standard for the measurement of sensory performance, VivoSens developed its new tool using GC Rieber’s inhouse technology. The method involves the detection of volatile components responsible for a specific sensory profile, which can then be separated for identification and quantification using a standard curve.
Søfting explained the importance of the new technology: “Omega-3 oils, particularly from fish, are known to be prone to oxidation and degradation, which may negatively affect sensory performance. GC Rieber VivoMega omega-3 oils are known to exceed all global quality standards; now, we can take this a step further by raising the quality and sensory bar with the implementation of our new industry-first proprietary method for analysing taste and smell.
“A standardized sensory evaluation can offer customers the possibility to take advantage of high-quality oils with good sensory parameters in marketing and help elevate their brands in a highly competitive marketplace.
“Compared to sometimes more subjective human taste panels, the new proprietary method is a fully objective approach to analysing taste and smell, which can be documented on the certificate of analysis for every batch,” he added.
Product portfolio
VivoMega provides a range of omega-3 oils from by-products of the fish meal industry, including its ‘platinum’ range containing 800mg/g of EPA and DHA. In addition, the ‘Ultra’ range contains 700mg/g of EPA and DHA, and the ‘Core’ range includes 500mg/g EPA and DHA.
The oils are sustainably harvested from the company’s facility based in Norway, with certifications achieved from Friend of the Sea and MarinTrust, recognising its significant efforts to achieve sustainable production as well as responsible fishery management.
VivoMega has achieved final oxidation values that have been consistently 75% lower than IFOS 5-star and 80% lower than the GOED monograph since 2015, demonstrating its continual efforts to ensure a high quality end-product.
