Fish Oil Certifications & Why They Matter

Many of you have probably heard the dangers of mercury poisoning from eating “too much fish.” While all types of fish contain at least some mercury, certain types of fish have WAY MORE mercury than others due to the water in which they live. Due to this mercury being present, the average American is advised to eat fish 1-3 times per week.

As you can imagine, this mercury (along with other toxins and PCBs) is found in fish oil. However, by sustainably sourcing fish from certain places in the world, and implementing a proper refining process, these toxins can be practically eliminated. Our 5-step refining process looks like this:

1.) Neutralization– The oil is neutralized by removing free fatty acids

2.) Bleaching– Pigments and contaminants are removed by the use of absorbents

3.) Winterization– High melting triglycerides are removed by cooling the oil and filtering

4.) Deodorization– Volatile components are removed with steam injection under vacuum and high temperature conditions

5.) Distillation– The oil is stripped of contaminants by distillation under ultra-high vacuum and elevated temperature

This formulation of this refining process started back in 1938 during the initial founding years of Lysi in Reykjavik. Since then, we have been a pioneer of global fish oil production, and have looked to partner with only the most prestigious marine governing bodies in the world.

These governing organizations give certifications to those in the industry who meet the strictest international regulations for sustainability, quality, and education. Without having some 3rd party metrics to verify what a company claims, how can you know they are telling the truth?

Here are some of these certifications, along with links to their websites:

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

• For 20 years, the Marine Stewardship Council has been part of a team effort to keep oceans healthy and full of life. Choose the blue fish label and make sure the fish you eat can be traced back to a sustainable source. Keep it wild.

Friend of the Sea

• Fried of the Sea is now a leading international certification project for products originated from both sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Certified products from all continents include most of the traded species, fishmeal, fish feed, and Omega-3 fish oil. Products and their origins are audited onsite by independent international certification bodies against strict Friend of the Sea sustainability criteria.

Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED)

• A proactive and accountable association of the finest manufacturers, marketers, and supporters of EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids, working to educate consumers and work with government groups, the healthcare community and the industry, while setting high ethical and quality standards for our business sector.

Iceland Responsible Fisheries (IRF)

• Sustainable and responsible fisheries management in Iceland is of fundamental importance as fisheries are one of the main pillars of the Icelandic economy. The seafood industry is meeting demands of seafood buyers for sustainable use of marine resources with Iceland Responsible Fisheries program, developed on the basis of commitments made through national law and international agreements.

You deserve to know what is in your Omega-3 supplement. Check the ingredients list and supplement facts panel, and look for certifications like those above before making your purchase!