IFOS – The International Fish Oil Standard Program
Posted on 2018-03-26
Environmental contaminants are harmful chemicals that enter the ecosystem as a result of industrial activity. These contaminants include heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium) PCBs, dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs. Clinical research suggests that contaminants from edible marine sources can have negative impact on our health, many of which outweigh the benefits of taking omega-3.
What is IFOS?
The IFOS Program is the only third party testing and certification program exclusively used for fish oils. IFOS tests fish oil products by batch or lot number using direct analysis to ensure that the amount of active ingredient(s) stated on the label is accurate
What does IFOS test for?
IFOS tests fish oil products on a batch/lot-specific basis to the highest, most stringent international standards for:
- Active ingredient(s) content (e.g., omega-3s [EPA + DHA]) compared to the label claim
- Contaminants
- Total PCBs
- Dioxins and furans
- Dioxin-like PCBs
- Heavy metals
- Mercury
- Lead
- Total arsenic
- Cadmium
- Stability
- Peroxide
- Anisidine
- Total oxidation
- Acid value
About the 5-Star Rating System
Once a fish oil product is tested through IFOS, it will be rated based on a 5-star system according to the testing results. Products that have achieved the highest worldwide standards for fish oil will be awarded the coveted IFOS 5-Star Rating.
5-Star Criteria for Finished Products and Brands
- Product has passed all IFOS testing categories
- Product meets the label claim for active ingredient concentration
- Product has an oxidation level less than 75% of CRN standard
- Product PCB levels are less than 50% of CRN standard
- Product dioxin levels are less than 50% of WHO standard
IFOS Certified Fish Oil Products:
 Omega Supreme |
 Prenatal DHA Plus |
 Ocean Fruit DHA for Kids |
For a full list of all IFOS certified fish oil brands please visit: http://www.nutrasource.ca/ifos/product-reports/default.aspx