Should a New Omega-3 Oil Be Approved for Chicken Feed?

Official title: Proposed new livestock feed ingredient – Micro-algae fermentation oil

Open Regulations & Permits Agriculture & Food Health & Safety
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency wants to approve a new ingredient for chicken feed: oil made from fermented micro-algae. It's rich in DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. The goal? Boost omega-3 levels in eggs and chicken meat without changing what chickens naturally eat.

Why This Matters

Buy eggs or chicken? This could affect what's in them. The oil would boost omega-3 content in eggs and meat. That's the same healthy fat found in fish. You might see more "omega-3 enriched" products at the grocery store.

What Could Change

If approved, feed manufacturers could add this micro-algae oil to chicken feed. Eggs and chicken meat could then be marketed as omega-3 enriched. The ingredient would be added to Canada's official feed ingredients list with specific labelling requirements.

Key Issues

  • Is the proposed description for micro-algae fermentation oil accurate?
  • Is there any scientific data that should be considered before approval?

How to Participate

  1. Review the proposed ingredient description and safety evaluation in the consultation notice.
  2. Send your comments by email to cfia.afp-paa.acia@inspection.gc.ca with "micro-algae fermentation oil" in the subject line.

Submit Your Input

Questions Being Asked (2)
  1. Are there concerns about the accuracy of the SIF description?
  2. Is there any scientific data that should be considered before the SIF is approved?