EU authorises food additive

The European Commission has authorised the use of Martek Biosciences Corporation's docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oil for human consumption.The Commission declared that the US company's DHA may be marketed in the European Union as a novel food ingredient.

Martek's DHA oil, produced in the company's Kentucky facility, has been available in certain infant formulas in Europe since 1994, pre-dating the European Union's requirement for Novel Food approval.

The Commission's action pertains specifically to the DHA oil produced by the former OmegaTech, acquired by Martek in April 2002, that is specifically produced for use in certain food and beverage applications.

The Commission's findings follow a review of the extensive safety data on this source of DHA. This Novel Food designation authorises the use of this source of DHA as an ingredient in foods such as certain dairy products, including cheese and yoghurt, (but not milk-based drinks), spreads and dressings in the European Union.

"The decision of the Commission opens sizeable market opportunities for Martek's DHA in European food products,"​ said Martek chairman Henry Lionsert Jr. "Martek looks forward to providing this safe, healthy ingredient for use in a variety of applications."​

Martek Biosciences​ develops, manufactures and sells products from microalgae. The company`s products include a range nutritional supplements and food ingredients.