High Oleic Algae Oil from Prototheca moriformis S8695B
In 2016, Health Canada received a submission to allow the sale of an oil with high oleic fatty acid content from a genetically modified strain of microalgae. This oil is 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 this oil could be sold in Canada as food, the scientists at Health Canada conducted a scientific assessment that ensured that it is safe for consumption. Our scientists also assessed how this oil was developed, produced and whether it can be toxic or cause allergic reactions.
Health Canada's assessment of this oil 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 this oil did not pose a greater risk to human health than oils currently available on the Canadian market. In addition, Health Canada also concluded that this oil would have no impact on allergies, and that there were no differences in the nutritional value of the high oleic algae oil compared to other oils available for consumption.