U.S.: Some fish oil supplements are contaminated with toxins: study

News 11:57 23/04/2012 Đinh Hà

(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."

Bạn đang đọc bài viết U.S.: Some fish oil supplements are contaminated with toxins: study tại chuyên mục News của Hiệp hội VASEP

TIN MỚI CẬP NHẬT

Da Nang completes EC recommendations, accelerates efforts to lift IUU “yellow card”

 |  10:50 11/04/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Da Nang City has fully implemented all recommendations from the European Commission (EC) regarding the fight against illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, creating an important foundation for the removal of the “yellow card” in the near future.

Red tilapia farming opens up an effective economic development path in Da Nang

 |  10:42 09/04/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Hoa Vang district (Da Nang City), red tilapia farming is demonstrating clear economic efficiency, becoming a promising livelihood that helps many households increase their income. A notable example is the model of Mr. Huynh Ngoc Nam, who operates two red tilapia ponds covering more than 4 hectares, generating stable annual income.

Ninh Binh promotes tilapia farming with a focus on high-quality seed

 |  10:30 06/04/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In Gia Vien district, tilapia farming—particularly the “duong nghiep” strain—is expanding rapidly and gradually becoming an efficient production model for local farmers. Hatcheries in the area are supplying high-quality, uniform, and disease-free fingerlings, meeting the growing demand for commercial farming.

Ca Mau promotes scaling up RAS-IMTA shrimp farming model toward sustainable development

 |  10:11 01/04/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On the afternoon of March 19, Vice Chairman of the Ca Mau Provincial People’s Committee, Le Van Su, chaired a meeting to address bottlenecks and propose solutions to expand the super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming model using low water exchange and high biosecurity standards (RAS-IMTA).

Ho Chi Minh City approves aquatic animal disease prevention and control plan for 2026–2030

 |  10:07 30/03/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) On March 10, 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee issued Decision No. 1377/QD-UBND approving the Aquatic Animal Disease Prevention and Control Plan for the 2026–2030 period. The decision takes effect from the date of signing and replaces previous plans for the 2021–2030 period that had been issued prior to the administrative merger in Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Chile’s tuna imports surge in 2025, can Vietnamese tuna accelerate?

 |  09:59 28/03/2026

(vasep.com.vn) In 2025, Chile imported more than USD 156 million worth of tuna, up 8.1% compared to the previous year and the highest level in the past five years. As the supply structure in this market is rapidly shifting, Vietnamese tuna is facing both opportunities to expand market share and increasing competitive pressure from Thailand, Colombia, and China.

Vinh Long promotes sustainable development of brackish water shrimp farming

 |  09:28 26/03/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Vinh Long Province is stepping up efforts to develop brackish water shrimp farming in a sustainable direction, identifying it as a key sector in its agricultural structure. In 2026, the province aims to reach around 71,300 hectares of shrimp farming, with an output of over 314,000 tons.

Ha Tinh tightens shrimp seed management to reduce risks for spring–summer crop

 |  09:25 24/03/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Ha Tinh Province is strengthening control over shrimp seed quality to minimize risks for the 2026 spring–summer farming season.

Vietnam pangasius exports in February 2026: China remains the leading market

 |  09:23 22/03/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) In February 2026, Vietnam’s pangasius exports reached USD 119 million, down slightly 5% year-on-year. However, thanks to strong performance in January, cumulative exports in the first two months of the year still reached USD 331 million, up 28% compared to the same period in 2025. Export activity slowed somewhat in February due to seasonal factors, particularly the Lunar New Year holiday, which disrupted production and shipments at many seafood processing enterprises.

Da Nang promotes high-tech shrimp farming

 |  09:06 20/03/2026

(seafood.vasep.com.vn) Da Nang is accelerating the development of high-tech shrimp farming toward intensive production, disease control, and improved efficiency. Many shrimp farms have invested in automated environmental monitoring systems, continuously tracking indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and salinity, enabling farmers to promptly adjust pond conditions and reduce disease risks.

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

© Copyright 2020 - Mọi hình thức sao chép phải được sự chấp thuận bằng văn bản của VASEP

DANH MỤC