(foodqualitynews.com) Natural
Microalgae and seaweed extracts are rich in polyphenolic compounds “which have well documented antioxidant properties,” and may also have antimicrobial activities against major food spoilage and food pathogenic micro-organisms, says the review.
Published in Innovative Food Science & Emerging Technologies, it outlines the potential uses of seaweed and seaweed extracts in the production of foods. The authors explore the potential for using the natural marine products as anti-microbial and anti-oxidation ingredients.
The authors, led by Dr. Nissreen Abu-Ghannam from Dublin Institute of Technology,
“Seaweed, being a rich source of structurally diverse bioactive compounds with valuable nutraceutical properties … Interest in the application of such compounds as natural antioxidants, antimicrobials or texturing agents in different food products is greater than ever,” said Abu-Ghannam and her colleagues.
“The addition of seaweeds or their extracts to food products will reduce the utilization of chemical preservatives, which will fulfil the industry as well as consumer demands for ‘green’ products,” they added.
Natural additives
Abu-Ghannam and her co-workers noted that research has suggested a potential for the application of seaweed extracts against lipid oxidation in foods. However, they noted that it is also important to see the efficacy of these extracts in complex foods.
“Considering the extensive data that is available on the antimicrobial potential of seaweed extracts against several pathogenic and spoilage micro-organisms, it will be interesting to review how effective the extracts have been when added to actual food products,” they said.
Review details
“Seaweeds are getting some serious consideration for nutritional enrichment of meat, bakery and pasta products,” noted the authors.
However, they said that whilst there is ‘immense literature’ available on the antimicrobial properties of seaweeds in vitro, there are very few studies available regarding their actual use in a food product.
Polysaccharides such as carrageenans and alginates, isolated from seaweeds, have also found extensive use in the food industry as a source of edible packaging material for ready to eat products, noted the review.
Abu-Ghannam and her team added that seaweed are a rich in dietary minerals specially sodium, potassium, iodine and fibres.
“Thus, there is an opportunity for the development of food products with low sodium content and high content of other minerals,” they said.
“Another potential area where the use of seaweed is gaining importance is regarding their addition for improving the textural properties of food products,” said Abu-Ghannam and her colleagues, adding that seaweeds are also “a rich source of dietary iodine and fibres which can also play a big part in enhancing the quality of food.”
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first four months of 2026, Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia together contributed USD 108 million to Vietnam’s pangasius exports, accounting for around 15% of the industry’s total export turnover. Amid tightening global whitefish supply and slowing demand in several traditional markets, Latin America is increasingly becoming an important expansion destination for the sector.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Alongside the development of high-tech shrimp farming, Ha Tinh Province is accelerating the cultivation of high-value freshwater aquatic species, with red tilapia emerging as an effective and sustainable farming model.
(vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s tuna exports reached USD 81 million in April 2026, down 6% compared to the same period in 2025. In the first four months of the year, export turnover totaled USD 289 million, down 4.8%. Although the overall export picture has yet to brighten significantly, market trends are becoming increasingly diversified rather than moving in a single direction.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s pangasius industry is undergoing strong restructuring starting from the broodstock and fingerling segment in order to improve productivity, quality, and export competitiveness. This is considered a critical foundation for the sustainable development of the industry amid rising production costs and increasingly stringent market requirements.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to Vietnam Customs data, pangasius exports in April 2026 reached USD 206 million, up 18% compared to the same period in 2025 — marking another consecutive month of double-digit growth since the beginning of the year. Cumulative pangasius export turnover in the first four months of 2026 reached USD 720 million, up 17% year-on-year, reflecting the positive growth momentum of this key export product.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vietnam’s shrimp exports in the first four months of 2026 maintained positive growth momentum, reaching approximately USD 1.5 billion, up 15% compared to the same period last year. However, behind this result lies diverging trends across markets, as the global shrimp industry continues to face pressure from inflation, high inventories, price competition, and increasing trade risks.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Vinh Tuy commune (Kien Giang Province), many shrimp farmers are adopting bottom aeration systems and reporting clear economic benefits, helping increase income and reduce production risks.
(vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of crabs and other crustaceans reached more than USD 93 million, up 23% compared to the same period last year. The result shows that the sector is experiencing a fairly positive recovery, especially in its two key product groups: crabs and swimming crabs. However, behind the growth figures are several concerns: export markets remain highly concentrated, raw material supply is unstable, and trade barriers from the US and EU are becoming increasingly stringent.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Ca Mau province, many farmers are transitioning from traditional methods to high-tech shrimp farming, adopting recirculating systems with minimal water exchange to improve efficiency and reduce risks. In Hung My commune alone, there are about 260 super-intensive shrimp farming households covering more than 265 hectares, playing a key role in local economic development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the first three months of 2026, Vietnam’s exports of fish cake and surimi reached USD 63 million, down 5% compared to the same period last year. Although total export value declined slightly due to decreases in some key markets, many other destinations continued to post strong growth, opening up room for this convenience-oriented processed segment in the coming quarters.
VASEP - HIỆP HỘI CHẾ BIẾN VÀ XUẤT KHẨU THỦY SẢN VIỆT NAM
Chịu trách nhiệm: Ông Nguyễn Hoài Nam - Phó Tổng thư ký Hiệp hội
Đơn vị vận hành trang tin điện tử: Trung tâm VASEP.PRO
Trưởng Ban Biên tập: Bà Phùng Thị Kim Thu
Giấy phép hoạt động Trang thông tin điện tử tổng hợp số 138/GP-TTĐT, ngày 01/10/2013 của Bộ Thông tin và Truyền thông
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 – (ext.203); email: kimthu@vasep.com.vn
Trụ sở: Số 7 đường Nguyễn Quý Cảnh, Phường An Phú, Quận 2, Tp.Hồ Chí Minh
Tel: (+84) 28.628.10430 - Fax: (+84) 28.628.10437 - Email: vasephcm@vasep.com.vn
VPĐD: số 10, Nguyễn Công Hoan, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội
Tel: (+84 24) 3.7715055 - Fax: (+84 24) 37715084 - Email: vasephn@vasep.com.vn