DSM gets European Union approval for new plant n-3 product

The European Commission has approved a new plant-based omega-3 solution from US company DSM for consumption and use as a fish and meat substitute across the EU."Derived from algae, this product can deliver vegetarian eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (n-3 fatty acids) into a wide range of food and beverage applications, including meat, fish and dairy substitutes as well as baked goods," said Gilbert Verschelling, DSM Ingredients Business Development and Innovation Director.

As a plant-based alternative to traditional fish oil, this n-3 solution can be used to improve the nutritional status of products without affecting marine ecosystems.The product uses natural algae and contains the same amount of EPA and DHA as traditional fish products, the company claimed. The algae is understood to have been produced decades ago from algal strains found in marine environments, grown by fermentation in a closed controlled system, entirely independent of the marine ecosystem, via seed culture.

DSM believes the algae-based n-3 solution will be widely used.The product has a neutral taste compared to fish oil products and can be used to enhance other animal-based products.