Continuing its important focus on omega-3 quality, GOED, the Global Organization of EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED), has published an update to its GOED Voluntary Monograph, which is among the strictest quality standards in the international omega-3 industry. The Monograph is a cornerstone of GOED membership, as GOED members are required to comply with its specifications as a condition of membership. This is the fifth update to the Monograph and it was ratified by a majority of the GOED membership.
 
The update was undertaken to recognize the industry’s significant growth and the development of many new omega-3 oils and products. For example, the monograph now allows for the inclusion of cod liver oil, and spells out important oxidation testing considerations necessary for flavored oils. While compliance with the Monograph is mandatory for GOED members, it provides valuable direction for the rest of the omega-3 industry as a quality standard.
 
GOED has also created a set of Guidance Documents to explain differences in oil types and applicable methods. The GOED Voluntary Monograph sets a quality standard for oxidation, environmental contaminants and fatty acid analysis in omega-3 oils, while the new Guidance Documents are designed to help the industry understand other quality parameters specific to unique types of oils and how to select the right methods for analysis.
 
“The updates to the Monograph should help demonstrate that the industry and GOED members in particular remain focused on quality as a top priority,” said Adam Ismail, GOED executive director. “The new Technical Guidance documents will provide additional direction to producers and suppliers.  They are not meant to establish a separate set of quality standards, but instead give guidance to companies marketing specific types of omega-3 oils.”