The Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) has approved the Global Organization for EPA and DHA (GOED)’s framework to establish a global standard for microbial omega-3s, Nutraceutical Business Review wrote.
Under development for more than a year, the proposal aimed to ensure that omega-3s – specifically algal eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) oils – could be freely traded worldwide, the 11 December report said.
Part of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the CAC is responsible for developing industry codes of practice which boost the “safety, quality and fairness” of the international food and nutrition trade.
Originally discussed at the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils meeting in 2024, this approval would mark the next step in adopting a global industry standard for omega-3 ingredients, Nutraceutical Business Review wrote.
Following the CAC’s approval, GOED will continue working within an electronic working group set up last year, according to the report.
The group would be chaired by the USA, with China as co-chair.
GOED estimates the first draft of the standard will be presented at the 29th session of the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils in 2026, according to the report.