CFIA approves algae product that can enrich pork, milk and eggs

Alltech’s ForPlus and All-G Rich dried micro-algae fermentation products give producers the opportunity to increase the nutrient content of pork, milk and eggs without changing the flavour and quality consumers expect. Image: Shutterstock

OTTAWA - Algae nutritional products from Alltech are now registered with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for use in the diets of pigs, dairy cows and laying hens. The DHA found within algae can naturally enrich pork, milk and eggs.

Also read, Feeding cows seaweed could reduce methane emissions.

Canadian dairy, swine and layer producers will be able to market their DHA-enriched products as value-added functional foods, meeting consumer demand for nutrient-rich foods and beverages.

“Consumers are becoming increasingly nutrition-focused, seeking out foods that provide specific health benefits when shopping at the supermarket,” said Nikki Putnam, registered dietitian nutritionist at Alltech. “They’re demanding more nutrition out of each bite while asking farmers and the food industry to keep their food fresh and flavorful. Alltech’s ForPlus and All-G Rich dried micro-algae fermentation products give producers the opportunity to increase the nutrient content of pork, milk and eggs without changing the flavour and quality consumers expect.”

Algae are gaining attention for their application to the feed and food industries as a highly sustainable source of DHA. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is an omega-3 fatty acid naturally found in some species of algae and in fatty fish used for fish oil. Research has demonstrated DHA’s importance as an essential nutrient for health at all stages of both human and animal life. In humans, DHA is essential for brain and eye development.

Plentiful levels of dietary DHA are also linked to improved cognitive function and learning ability in children, including benefits for children with ADHD, as well as reduced risk of coronary heart disease, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

As such, Alltech is continuing to expand its algae DHA plant, one of only two plants commercially producing high-DHA heterotrophic microalgae. The facility, which is capable of producing approximately 15,000 tons of algae per year, has already been updated since its opening in early 2011.

“Alltech’s newly received approval from the CFIA on ForPlus and All-G Rich is an incredible step forward in sustainable animal agriculture,” said Stuart McGregor, Alltech Canada general manager.

“This will provide the Canadian market with a renewable and competitive advantage to enrich pork, milk and eggs with DHA while also offering a sustainable alternative to current DHA omega-3 fatty acid sources that are depleting global fish stocks.”

SOURCE Alltech