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Cargill Joins BASF Plant Science To Develop EPA/DHA Canola Oil

FoodProcessing.com
11/02/2011

By FoodProcessing.com Staff

Cargill and BASF Plant Science announced they will co-develop a new dietary source of EPA/DHA. The source, a canola oil, will make it easier for food processors to provide consumers with optimal intakes of EPA- and DHA-rich omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Increased awareness of the health benefits of omega-3 is fueling double-digit growth for omega-3 products. According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey EPA/DHA consumption in the United States is less than 185 mg per day; various health experts recommend intake of 250-500 mg per day for positive health benefits from EPA/DHA.

According to Willie Loh, vice president of marketing, Cargill Oils and Shortenings, the new generation of EPA/DHA canola oil will be produced through a genetically modified crop. The modification process will allow Cargill and BASF Plant Science to put genes into the canola to produce the DHA.

The products generated through the collaboration will address shelf stability and cost.

You can visit Cargill.com to learn more about the partnership. Read more about Cargill’s oils and other products on its Formulating Ideas blog on FoodProcessing.com.