The particular oils which occur in oily fish have been linked to a wide range of health benefits, and we are being encouraged to eat more. Oils and fats are found in a variety of chemical forms, and we are familiar with the terms saturated fat or polyunsaturated fat. The oils of interest in oily fish are known as highly-unsaturated. Highly unsaturated oils are much more prone to rancidity than saturated fats so need to be protected by effective antioxidants. Natural antioxidant chemicals are frequently found in a wide variety of foods and many chemicals that we are familiar with have antioxidant properties such as vitamin E, vitamin C, various food pigments and so on.

To ensure the protection of the healthy oils in fishmeal and oil, feed companies have relied on synthetic antioxidants. However there are now also effective natural antioxidants products commercially available and these are now required to be used in the Soil Association’s organic fish feeds.

The Soil Association has met its target of eliminating the use of synthetic antioxidants in its certified organic fish feeds . Only natural antioxidants are now permitted in these feeds and their ingredients.

» For more information, see Soil Association press release: “Natural antioxidants now required in Soil Association organic fish feeds” (19/11/07)



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This document is not to be used by Soil Association licensees as a substitute for the Soil Association organic standards. The standards are available to buy for £30. To order a copy please call 0117 914 2406, or email goorganic@soilassociation.org.