- Direct GRAS Approval
Many fish oil companies have self-affirmed GRAS status, but Menhaden Oil has GRAS approval as a direct human food ingredient (21 CFR 184.1472). Omega Protein was the only refined fish oil company that went through the petition process (via the National Fish Meal and Oil Association), submitting the documentation and research necessary to get direct approval by the FDA. The only fish oil listed under Part 184 (Direct Food Substances Affirmed As Generally Recognized As Safe) is Menhaden Oil. Subsequently, other fish oil processors have “piggy-backed” their self-affirmation on Menhaden Oil.
- Integrated
OmegaPure® is produced through an integrated operation allowing us to control every step of the production process—from company-owned fishing vessels to our state of the art oil refinery—ensuring product integrity, consistent quality and complete traceability. Many fish oil supplement companies must purchase their fish oil from a number of suppliers and create a blended oil. This makes it difficult to trace the origin and quality of the fish oil. OmegaPure® monitors the quality from menhaden harvest through delivery to ensure you receive a clean and safe ingredient.
- U.S. Sourced
We harvest menhaden in U.S. waters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. These fishing designations are closely monitored by federal and local governmental agencies that conduct regular stock assessments and continually monitor and protect the sustainability of the menhaden population. Additionally, relatively aggressive U.S. environmental laws limit the nature of contaminants contained in runoff to which the menhaden population may be exposed.
- Sustainable
OmegaPure® fish oil has been certified sustainable by Friend of the Sea, a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that focuses on the conservation of marine habitats and resources. Friend of the Sea is currently the main seafood certification program in the world, having assessed more than 10 million metric tons of wild-catch and 500 thousand metric tons of farmed products. The process is stringent and a true reflection of our sustainability efforts.
- Single, Clean Source
OmegaPure® fish oil is derived from a single, clean source—the menhaden. Many omega-3 ingredients in the marketplace contain a fish oil blend from a number of species such as anchovies, sardines, mackerel and herring. This makes it difficult to trace the origin and quality of the fish oil. The menhaden species of fish we harvest are surface feeders consuming phytoplankton and zooplankton and have a short life span. This reduces their exposure to environmental contaminants compared to large fish such as salmon and tuna. These larger species have a longer life span, consume smaller fish and have a much wider feeding range—all factors that increase contaminant exposure and accumulation in fish. OmegaPure® begins with harvesting fish low in environmental contaminant exposure and further reduces contaminants through the OmegaPure® purification process providing you with clean, safe fish oil.
Consumers are looking for natural products with minimal and sustainable ingredients—a clean label. With OmegaPure® oil, manufactures can do that by simply listing “menhaden fish oil” rather than listing a multitude of sources.
- Kosher
OmegaPure® is certified Kosher by the Orthodox Union. The extensive Kosher certification process was conducted by a qualified Rabbinic field representative and is based on the representative’s findings of our manufacturing practices. We are regularly audited to ensure our practices meet the OU standards, maintaining the Kosher status.
- Balanced Omega-3
A number of factors influence the omega-3 fatty acid composition of fish oil such as the species of fish and even seasonal environmental variances like water temperature. Menhaden are small, oily-fleshed fish that typically yield a ~1:1 ratio of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA.
EPA and DHA function differently in the human body and offer their own unique health benefits, but are equally important. EPA reduces inflammation1 and promotes cardiovascular health,2 while DHA promotes healthy brain development3 and cognitive maintenance4.
Some fish oils offer high levels of one of these essential nutrients but are lacking in the other. For example, tuna oil is high in DHA but lacks significant levels of EPA. It is important to have a source of fish oil that has a balanced concentration of EPA and DHA to provide all of the health benefits associated with these omega-3 fatty acids.
- Technology and Innovation Center
As a leader in the industry, we established the OmegaPure Technology and Innovation Center (OPTIC) for research and development of new and innovative ways to integrate omega-3 fatty acids in food and beverage applications. Our experienced staff of scientists and food technologists partner with food manufacturers to create successful formulations and drive innovation.
In addition, our scientists are committed to lipid research, providing the industry with the latest advancements in antioxidant, stabilization and alternative delivery systems. Our analytical laboratory has been certified by the American Oil Chemists Society for analysis of marine oils and AOCS/GOED analysis for EPA and DHA.
The OPTIC facility includes the following resources: lipids lab, analytical lab, delivery systems lab, food service kitchen, dairy and beverages pilot plant and baked goods pilot plant.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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