Fish Oils

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans) are groups of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that have similar toxicity and share chemical characteristics. Dioxins and Furans are created as combustion byproducts during the production of certain chemicals such as pesticides, and in the pulp and paper industry during chlorine bleaching. Until their ban in 1979, PCBs were manufactured as insulator fluids in heat-exchangers, as hydraulic fluids in transformers, and as additives to paints and oils. PCBs remain in the environment even though they are no longer manufactured.

Exposure to these compounds can be highly toxic to humans when breathing contaminated air, drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. About 90% of exposure comes from eating contaminated food as these compounds tend to bioaccumulate in the fatty tissues of animals. These pollutants have been shown to cause a skin condition called chloracne, liver problems, and elevated blood lipids in people who have been unintentionally exposed to large amounts. Extensive laboratory studies have also shown various effects on animals, including cancer and reproductive problems.

Supra offers the following testing for fish oils:

• PCBs/PCDDs/PCDFs by GC-MS/MS (ISO 17025 accredited), < 4 day turnaround time 
• Selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Fish Oil 

We are actively working on developing the following new analytical approaches for fish oils:

• Omega-3 profiles by Bench NMR
• Phospholipid profiles by Bench NMR
• Minimal sample prep approaches for PCBs, Dioxins and PAHs in Fish Oil

Testing Capabilities

• Fish and krill oil
• 209 PCB congeners, 7 dioxins, and 10 furans
• Flexible data packages and report levels