The Norwegian Food Safety Authority has approved Aquaterra oil, which is made from genetically modified rapeseed, for use in fish feed.
Aquaterra, which is produced by Nuseed Nutritional US Inc and derived from Nuseed Omega-3 Canola, is the first biotechnology product authorised for use by the NFSA in Norway under the food act.
“Norway has always been a target market for Aquaterra Omega-3 oil, and we are excited about the positive contribution to the industry,” said Benita Boettner, global general manager of Nuseed Nutritional.
”Aquaculture produces more than half of the fish people eat today. Advancing the seafood industry is essential because farmed fish are less resource intensive, with a lower-carbon impact than other proteins.”
Green light
Uuder the assessment process, the NFSA requires that the feed must be safe and not be harmful to human or animal health, or make food from animals unsuitable for human consumption. Furthermore, that the feed shall not have adverse effects on the environment.
Nuseed Omega-3 Canola has been developed as the world’s first plant-based source of DHA, EPA, and ALA.
Collaborative studies conducted by industry and NOFIMA have demonstrated that salmon that are fed Aquaterra diets produce higher quality fillets with increased omega-3 content.
The oil has also been developed for human nutrition, branded as Nutriterra. Because it delivers a non-marine source of these nutrients, it helps reduce pressure on wild-fish stocks, the most common source of omega-3.
Both proprietary ingredients are Friend of the Sea certified and provide a sustainable land-based option for essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Nuseed said that one to two hectares of Omega-3 Canola can produce as much DHA as 10,000 one kg wild fish. So, there is an opportunity to double the global supply of these important nutrients on less than 5% of current Canola production land.
Nuseed Omega-3 Canola has been developed in collaboration with Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).
