High Oleic Algae Oils from Prototheca moriformis S2532 and S6697
In 2016, Health Canada received a submission to allow the sale of oils with high oleic fatty acid content from two genetically modified microalgae strains. These oils are expected to replace a portion of the dietary fats and oils in the Canadian market for various conventional foods which lack a standard of identity.
In order to determine whether these oils could be sold in Canada as food, the scientists at Health Canada conducted a scientific assessment that ensured that they are safe for consumption. Our scientists also assessed how these oils were developed, produced and whether they can be toxic or cause allergic reactions.
Health Canada's assessment of these oils was conducted according to the Guidelines for Safety Assessment of Novel Foods. Scientists with expertise in molecular biology, microbiology, toxicology, chemistry and nutrition conducted a thorough analysis of the data and the protocols provided by the applicant to ensure the validity of the results.
Following this assessment, it was determined that these oils did not pose a greater risk to human health than oils currently available on the Canadian market. In addition, Health Canada also concluded that these oils would have no impact on allergies, and that there were no differences in the nutritional value of the high oleic algae oils compared to other oils available for consumption.