Croda raises purity standards for omega-3

Croda Health Care has announced the launch of its ultra high purity EPA and DHA omega-3 lipid concentrates, which exceed all current industry purity standards for environmental contaminants, dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Croda's Incromega TG triglyceride range offers high potency EPA and DHA concentrates with dioxin and furan levels of below 1pg WHO-TEQ/g, against existing purity standards of 2pg WHO-TEQ/g (EC directive and CRN omega-3 monograph ). PCB levels in the company's Incromega TG brand are less than 0.009ppm, which is 90% below the industry-wide CRN purity standard of 0.09ppm and significantly lower than existing country-specific legislative requirements. Dr Claire Packer, marketing manager, commented: "The purity of food supplements is a key concern for consumers. Government bodies such as the UK Food Standards Agency and the FDA have highlighted the potential for environmental contaminants such as PCBs and dioxins in fish products. By raising the industry purity standards for fish oil concentrates, we are giving our customers the reassurance of ultra high purity omega-3 supplements." The health benefits of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are well known. Oily fish offer excellent sources of EPA and DHA, although recent news stories have raised concerns about the levels of environmental contaminants found in certain fish. Croda's Incromega TG concentrates offer a solution by providing high levels of EPA and DHA in ultra-pure form. Croda sources sardines and anchovies from unpolluted waters – these smaller fish naturally contain lower levels of environmental contaminants – and the company claims that its state-of-the-art processing, including GMP molecular distillation and proprietary purification technology, reduces the levels of trace impurities down to the limits of analytical detection. Dioxins, furans and PCBs are organic pollutants from industrial processes. Background levels are found throughout the world in practically all media, including soil, water and food. Consumption of dioxins above safe levels over a lifetime may result in an increased risk of cancer. Croda's Incromega TG triglyceride concentrates offer enhanced bioavailability and potency for specific consumer health concerns, including heart, joint, maternal, skin, brain and eye health.