GOED's novel framework, which aims to establish a global standard for microbial omega-3s, has been approved by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC).
The CAC — which is part of the US Food and Agriculture Organization — is responsible for developing industry codes of practice which boost the "safety, quality and fairness" of the international food and nutrition trade.
The omega-3 expert's proposal, which has been under construction for more than a year, aims to ensure that omega-3s — specifically algal EPA and DHA oils — are able to be traded freely worldwide.
If these guidelines are passed, industries globally will have the chance to distribute algae-based omega-3 oils to health-conscious consumers.
The original proposal was discussed in the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils meeting earlier on in 2024, and this approval marks the next step in adopting a global industry standard for omega-3 ingredients.
Through the CAC's approval, GOED will continue within an electronic working group (EWG) set up earlier this year.
The US will chair this group, while China will co-chair.
GOED currently estimates that the first draft of the standard will be presented at the 29th session fo the Codex Committee on Fats and Oils in 2026.