FISH OIL

Description

Fish oil is an excellent source of energy for use in feed and pet food. Fish oil is produced from fresh fish and by-products which due to controlled processing kept its natural properties in Omega 3 and polyunsaturated fatty acids that are EPA and DHA (Eicosapentaenoic acid and Docosahexaenoic acid). These two fatty acids come straight from fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, black cod, herring, anchovies, and albacore tuna. Importantly, fish oil is produced in accordance to European regulations (Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 for feed hygiene) and environmental health requirements.

Production process

Fish raw material arrives at the fish meal processing plant from nearest sizable fish processing plants and is under the supervision of the Food and Veterinary Services. 

Fish can be reduced to meal and oil in a number of ways. Common to all methods of practical importance are the following processing steps. First, heating, which coagulates the protein, ruptures the fat depots and liberates oil and physio-chemically bound water. Second, pressing (or occasional centrifugation), which removes a large fraction of the liquids from the mass. Finally, separation of the liquid into oil and water (stick water).

Different Critical Control Points (CCP) are monitored during the manufacturing process. The process will stop either if the boiling temperature doesn’t achieve the specified temperature or if the sterilizer doesn’t achieve the requirements stipulated in Method 2 (100ºC, 125 minutes and 3 bars). Each tank is identified with a lot number code that identifies the manufacturing plant, date of production, production line, and production shift.

Each batch of fish oil is tested for physic-chemical and microbiological analysis. All lots are analysed for the presence of Salmonella species and Enterobacteria. Quality procedures are all according to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control point (HACCP) principles and are monitored by the local veterinary authorities. Factory is operating under strict internal quality procedures including HACCP rules.