Algae may not be particularly pretty, but it can produce up to 300 times more oil per acre than the likes of rapeseed and soybeans, several times a year, and it could be heading this way.

US producer Martek Biosciences Corporation has applied to the Food Standards Agency for approval to market algal oil produced from Schizochytrium microalgae as a novel food ingredient (in other words, one without a history of consumption in the EU before May 1997).

Martek hopes to use the oil, known as DHA-O, in food supplements, biscuits, bakery products and cereals.

Focus On Oils

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