GOED has published the 2024 edition of our Annual Report. The report outlines our accomplishments over the past year, 2024 financials and details on the scope of our membership.
Update on Expected EU Mineral Oil Hydrocarbon Regulations
Last December, GOED reported on the expected upcoming EU regulations on mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOH), which were discussed that month in a meeting of the European Commission's (EC) Expert Group on Industrial Contaminants and the Environment / EU Member States Expert Group. We have now obtained further information about the planned proposal for MOH regulations. This comes from contacts that our members have with European trade associations and the French Ministry of Agriculture.
The following points paint a better picture of what may be included in the next proposed EC regulations for MOH in EPA/DHA omega-3 oils.
The proposed maximum limit (ML) for mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) of 10 mg/kg for marine oils will also be applicable to microalgal oils. This is now mentioned specifically.
As mentioned earlier, the ML of 10 mg/kg will enter into force on January 1, 2027, and be lowered to 5 mg/kg from January 1, 2030. Note that the limits are still subject to change, as some Member States oppose the gradual progression of these MLs.
MLs will be applicable to imported crude oils, to prevent the placing on the market of non-compliant crude oils and to encourage third-country authorities to consider MOSH/MOAH cross-contamination in food products from origin countries. However, it appears that oils exceeding the MLs may still be imported, provided that effective “decontamination” can be justified before products are placed on the market.
A draft regulation on performance criteria and sampling procedures remains under discussion.
For blends of oils, an ML of 2 mg/kg would apply (for example, blends of different vegetable oils, or a microalgal oil with a fish oil).
It is expected that the new proposal will allow the deduction of measurement uncertainties when food authorities conduct MOAH analyses. There is still uncertainty regarding its applicability at the Food Business Operator (FBO) level.
For mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH), there is an increase in the planned Indicative Limit for marine oils to 50 mg/kg (an indicative limit is not a regulated ML, but when exceeded, it triggers the food authorities to contact the company to implement suitable mitigation approaches). The limit would enter into force on January 1, 2027. While this is more lenient than the previously announced indicative limit of 15 mg/kg, the deduction of measurement uncertainties will not be allowed.
GOED expects the EC to publish the next draft proposal in the next few months and organize a new stakeholder forum alongside announcing an open consultation for comments on the draft legislation, as well as publish a Q&A document in which many common questions will be answered.
Please note that GOED does not analyze or make any representation of accuracy for the Omega-3 News items. This is simply a compilation of news articles found on the internet that are relevant to the EPA and DHA business.
Highlights
Reminder: Upcoming Webinar on Foreign Trade Zones
Learn how Foreign Trade Zones (FTZs) can help manage tariffs, reduce costs and streamline customs. In GOED's upcoming webinar, GOED partner UNPA's Asia President & Director of Strategic Markets Daniel Mabey will share practical strategies for using FTZs to navigate international trade challenges, particularly tariff fluctuations and regulatory complexities.
According to seafood analyst Kontali, global salmon supply is expected to grow by approximately 5% in 2025, driven by higher biomass, strong production and reduced losses early in the year.
Japan and Russia have agreed to maintain the 2025 fishing quota for Japanese vessels at 2,050 metric tons of salmon and trout from Russian rivers, the same as the previous year, according to Japan's Fisheries Agency.
UK dietary supplement distributor HTC Health has earned Friend of the Sea certification for its fish oil softgels, featuring two omega-3 formulations (18% EPA/12% DHA and 33% EPA/22% DHA).
The 17th International Akademie Fresenius Conference: Contaminants and Residues in Food will be held on November 13 in Düsseldorf and via live stream. The conference will cover the latest developments in contaminants, risk management and food analysis, bringing together experts from regulatory, industry and political backgrounds.
Note: GOED will not attend all listed industry events.
To suggest industry events for fellow GOED members, email Vicky Lin.
New Products
GOED member Sirio has launched a new supplement line XtraGummies, including Xtra Omega-3, delivering 125 mg of DHA per gummy. In other news, Sirio also launched the Sirio Institute for Anti-Aging (SIA) to drive innovation in anti-aging science, helping brands develop and commercialize advanced nutraceutical products to meet the growing demand for healthy longevity solutions.
GOED member Natural Pharmaceuticals has been awarded the Consumer Laurel 2025, a prestigious distinction based on public opinion research, recognizing the company's strong position and consumer trust in the Polish market.
Seafood Norway is launching a new transparency-focused campaign, "Salmon Under the Microscope," to address concerns about fish health, welfare and environmental impact. The campaign will run across TV, digital and print media to foster trust and reshape public perception of salmon.
NOAA Fisheries' Office of Law Enforcement used a new genetics analysis device to detect 27 tons of trafficked seafood during a recent pilot program. The agency is optimistic that this technology will enable faster identification of illicit seafood products.
Byproducts like salmon skin, once discarded, are now being used to create sustainable leather for fashion items such as clothing, shoes and accessories. Chilean fashion brand Gio y Ber highlights salmon skin's sustainability, providing a unique finish while promoting environmentally responsible practices in the fashion industry.
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