French microalgae company Fermentalg has obtained GRAS status for its algal oils naturally rich in omega-3 and has signed a distribution agreement with Stauber for the United States and Canada. These achievements, it says, represent two new milestones in the company’s drive to market the DHA ORIGINS range on the North American market.

DHA ORIGINS 350, an oil with a natural DHA concentration of 350 mg/g, and DHA ORIGINS 550, said to be the first algal oil with a minimum natural DHA concentration of 550 mg/g, have obtained Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) classification awarded by a panel of US experts. GRAS status allows Fermentalg ORIGINS products to be sold in applications dedicated to human nutrition including baby food.

In addition to obtaining this administrative authorisation, Fermentalg signed a US distribution agreement with Stauber, a North American supplier of speciality ingredients.

Stauber is the preferred ingredient distributor in North America. Serving the nutritional, dietary supplement, functional food and beverage, sports, pet care and pharmaceutical industries since 1969, Stauber offers a variety of ingredients. In addition to quality systems for FSMA and GMP programs, Stauber has. Notes Fermentalg, been rated #1 for overall performance among USA distributors in the area of customer service, on-time delivery and product quality.

Based in Fullerton, California, the company has logistics facilities on both East and West coasts, enabling it to deliver customer requirements throughout the United States.

“After gaining authorisation1 in Europe for our DHA-rich algal oils and signing the distribution agreement with IMCD Group, we have proved our ability to penetrate the US market and deploy a resolutely global strategy for our products,” said Philippe Lavielle, Fermentalg Chairman and CEO.