(fis.com) US consumers&rsquo demand
“In our recent tests, we found that some were not as pure as one might think,” stated Ronni Sandroff, editorial director of Health and Family at Consumer Reports, WebMD Health News reports.
The lab tested three lots of each brand purchased from stores in New York. All lots advertised their labelled amount of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA.
The study found that none of the products exceeded limits for lead, mercury, dioxins or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) set by the nongovernmental standard-setting group US Pharmacopeia (USP) or by the European Union (EU).
However, it was revealed that total PCBs were present in amounts that could require warning labels under California’s Proposition 65, a consumer right-to-know law, in one sample of the CVS, GNC and Sundown fish oil supplements and in two samples sold under the Nature’s Bounty brand product, Consumer Reports Magazine reports.
Remarkably, most of the pills tested claimed to be “purified” or “free” of PCBs, mercury or other toxins -- statements that lack a specific regulatory definition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pointed out.
Regardless, the FDA has not taken enforcement action against any omega-3 producer over PCBs or other contaminants because it does not consider their presence a public-health risk, an FDA spokesperson informed.
In addition, two samples of Kirkland Signature supplements failed the USP’s disintegration test for pills with enteric coatings designed to prevent a fishy aftertaste. Instead of breaking up in the small intestine as intended, the pills’ coating disintegrated in the stomach.
Notably, this was the case even though the Kirkland Signature pills are one of a few that are “USP Verified,” which indicates that the USP has tested and verified the ingredients, potency and manufacturing process labelled on the container.
Consumer Reports did find nine brands that met all the quality standards.
"Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of heart attacks and stroke," Dr John Santa of Consumer Reports added. "But most people can get enough by eating fatty fish at least twice a week."
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The year 2025 marked a pivotal milestone for Vietnam’s seafood industry in its restructuring process toward sustainability, transparency, and higher value creation, amid continued uncertainties in the global economic and trade environment. Prolonged inflation in major economies, the rising trend of trade protectionism, and increasingly stringent requirements related to environmental standards, traceability, and social responsibility have posed significant challenges to seafood production and exports. Nevertheless, overcoming these pressures, Vietnam’s seafood sector has gradually demonstrated its adaptability, maintained growth momentum, and laid an important foundation for the next stage of development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Amid the increasingly evident impacts of drought and saltwater intrusion, the shrimp-rice production model in Ca Mau province continues to prove itself as a viable direction, contributing to higher farmer incomes, improved soil conditions and the promotion of ecological and sustainable agricultural development.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The management of fishing vessels, monitoring of fishing activities, and handling of violations in the fisheries sector in Lam Dong province have continued to be implemented in a synchronized and stringent manner, contributing to raising awareness of legal compliance among fishermen and aiming to end illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Can Tho’s fishery industry sustained steady growth in 2025 with total aquatic and marine output reaching nearly 783,000 tons, fulfilling 100% of the annual target. Aquaculture, capture fisheries and fishing fleet management were further strengthened, aiming for sustainable development in the coming years.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s pangasius export turnover reached nearly USD 2.2 billion, up 8% year-on-year. This result indicates that pangasius exports maintained their growth momentum despite significant volatility in the global market environment. In December 2025, pangasius export value reached USD 200 million, up 10% compared to December 2024. This solid performance in the final month of the year reflects increased import demand for consumption and inventory replenishment in key markets.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Vietnam’s tuna exports to Spain experienced significant fluctuations. According to Vietnam Customs, during the first 11 months of 2025, export turnover for the first 11 months of the year edged up by 0.3% year-on-year, reaching nearly $15 million.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son has signed Decision No. 16/QD-TTg, dated January 5, 2026, approving the implementation plan for the Vietnam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (VIFTA). Under the plan, in the coming period, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, government-affiliated entities and People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities must institutionalize and execute tasks focused on the dissemination of information regarding VIFTA and the Israeli market; legislative and institutional development, as well as enhancing competitiveness and human resource growth...
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Beyond achieving double-digit growth, Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports are showing a notable year-end "inflection point": the EU his accelerating with nearly twofold growth, China & Hong Kong are rising sharply, while the largest market, South Korea, signaled a slowdown in November. According to Vietnam Customs data, export turnover of fish cake and surimi reached $327 million in the first 11 months of 2025, up 22% year-on-year; November 2025 alone accounted for $35 million, marking a 5% increase. This serves as a critical foundation for exporters to reassess market structures and competitive intensity while finalizing order strategies for 2026.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ca Mau, widely regarded as the nation’s “shrimp capital”, continued its strong performance in 2025 as shrimp output reached nearly 600,000 tons, maintaining its position as Vietnam’s leading shrimp-producing locality.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On December 29, 2025, at the 2025 Pangasius Industry Review Conference held in Can Tho City, the Vietnam Pangasius Association announced that fingerling prices have surged to record levels due to acute supply shortages.
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