DSM Wants Novel Food Status for Its Algal Oils

DSM Nutritional Products (DSM; Columbia, MD) is petitioning the European Parliament to accept a DHA-rich algal oil and an EPA-rich algal oil for use in dietary supplements. Because both ingredients lack a history of local consumption, DSM must apply for Novel Food status.

Both of DSM’s algal oils are derived from the Schizochytrium algae species. The company inherited the ingredients through a 2010 acquisition of Martek Biosciences Corp., developer of the life’sDHA brand of algae dietary supplements.

In addition to seeking Novel Food approvals, DSM is asking that Parliament increase the maximum use of these oils to 3000 mg/day for the normal population. The current maximum use levels for DHA– and EPA–rich oils are 250 mg/day for the normal population and 450 mg/day for pregnant and lactating women.

DSM submitted its petition to the United Kingdom Food Standards Agency, which is now seeking public opinions on the petition.