(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) According to a report by the General Statistics Office, the estimated pangasius output for January 2025 reached 102.5 thousand tons, representing a 6.0% increase compared to the corresponding period of the preceding year. This surge is attributed to the rise in pangasius material prices within the Mekong Delta, which has incentivized aquaculture farmers to expand their stocking activities. Concurrently, this price increase has facilitated processing enterprises to intensify procurement efforts to meet export demands during the early part of the year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Between 2015 and 2024, Vietnamese pangasius exporting enterprises have undergone notable transformations in rankings and experienced fluctuations in developmental strategies, competitive intensity, and business efficacy. This dynamic is clearly illustrated through shifts in export turnover and the proportional contribution to the national pangasius export volume among the Top 5 enterprises.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) The outlook for Vietnam’s seafood exports remains positive, with a strong focus on maintaining growth in key markets like China and the U.S., while diversifying into new regions. As global trade policies continue to evolve, adaptability and strategic planning will be key to navigating the challenges ahead.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Thanks to improved pangasius prices and higher production, Vĩnh Hoàn's after-tax profit in Q4 2024 reached VND 440 billion, a 4.8-fold increase compared to the same period last year.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) According to data from Vietnam’s Customs, in Q4 2024, Vietnam’s pangasius exports to China & Hong Kong reached USD 163 million, a 17% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with consistent growth across all months. The total value of pangasius exports to China & Hong Kong for 2024 reached USD 581 million, a 1% increase over the previous year.
Vietnam’s seafood exports are projected to maintain strong growth this year, potentially reaching 11 billion USD.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In the final quarter of 2024, Vietnam’s surimi and fish cake exports showed consistent growth over the last three months. For the entire year 2024, exports of these products reached USD 298 million, down 2% compared to 2023. However, the final quarter saw more promising signs for the surimi and fish cake export sector, with some markets experiencing notable growth, such as Thailand, China, and Taiwan. Particularly, exports to Taiwan, which had seen continuous declines in the previous two quarters, surged by 301% in this quarter.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Another year of pride for Vietnam's pangasius exports has concluded, reaching over USD 2 billion and contributing 20% to Vietnam's total seafood export turnover.
Vietnam maintained its position as the fifth-largest seafood exporter to Singapore for 12 consecutive months, surpassing Japan for the first time in 2024, amid the intensifying competition in this market.
(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Despite facing numerous challenges in the second half of the year, Vietnam's canned tuna exports concluded 2024 with a 17% increase compared to 2023, reaching USD 299 million. To maintain this growth momentum in 2025, the canned tuna production and export sector requires coordinated efforts from all stakeholders.
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