Cargill develops new omega-3-rich canola

Global food company Cargill has developed a new type of canola, which is suitable for aquaculture farmers looking a more sustainable way to raise fish rich in EPA/DHA omega-3 fatty acids.

The new type of product is developed in collaboration with German chemical company BASF using plant-based nutrients, which can be used as substitute for the fish oil in aquaculture feed and could ease harvest pressure on wild fish populations that currently supply much of that oil.

Cargill conducted feeding trials on salmon in Chile, where it was able to completely replace fish oil in feed rations with oil from EPA/DHA canola.

Cargill Aqua Nutrition president Einar Wathne said: “As a fish feed producer, we need to reduce our dependency on marine resources.

“This new canola can create tremendous opportunities across the global food and feed markets, and we believe it is critical for the growth of aquaculture.”

Fish oil is being currently used for raising fish rich in omega-3s.

Genetically engineered to make long chain omega-3 fatty acids, the new canola will offer a more sustainable alternative as it eases pressure on finite marine resources.

The testing and regulatory approval for both the canola and the EPA/DHA enhanced canola oil is in progress, and it is expected to reach the market sometime after 2020.

Cargill global edible oil solutions-specialties managing director Mark Christiansen said: “Cargill's EPA/DHA omega-3 plant-based product is the only one we know of with a clear path to commercialisation in the industry."

The new product from Cargill could also widen the access to EPA and DHA omega-3s in consumer diets, as well as make important nutrients more available and reasonably priced to people worldwide.