Analysis of fishmeal and fish oil
Around one third of the total catch of fish worldwide is processed to fishmeal and/or fish oil. For animal nutrition, fishmeal is an important source for well digestible protein, valuable fatty acids (Omega-3) with life sustaining vitamins and minerals. Because of the growing demand for EPA and DHA supplements, targeted production of fish oil is meanwhile pushed worldwide.
Harmful substances in the waters and seas are accumulating in the fat tissues of fish and other marine life. Fish and marine animals which live near the coastline in estuarial waters or near the bottom of the sea, often show higher levels of environmentally hazardous substances (e.g. dioxins, PCB, PAH, pesticides and other persistent organic pollutants, than fish from the open seas. This also applies to the products (e.g. fish oil, fish meal) which are made from fish, as the raw product.
Legal regulations for environmentally hazardous substances and respective analytical examinations of fish oil and fish meal are contributing to consumer and environmental protection and shall minimize residues and contaminations long term.
Legal bases and guidelines
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915 (Contaminants-Regulation)
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 277/2012
Membership and approvals of individual Eurofins laboratories(*)
Other interesting pages
| Analyses Dioxins Furans PCBs POPs Flame retardants |
Industries Fish and Aquaculture |
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