DSM Nutritional Products and Monsanto Co. have partnered in an effort to deliver SDA omega-3 soybean oil (stearidonate soybean oil) for use in foods in North America.
“We look forward to bringing SDA soybean oil to the industry and working with food manufacturers to deliver innovative products that support heart health to their customers,” said Will Black, vice-president of marketing human nutrition and health for DSM.
Monsanto, St. Louis, will develop SDA soybean varieties and sell the seeds to its farmer-customers. DSM Nutritional Products, Columbia, will license the SDA soybean from Monsanto. DSM Nutritional Products will have the global rights to brand, market, package and sell the SDA soybean oil to the food industry.
SDA omega-3 soybean oil is a plant-based source of SDA, which converts in the body to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), another omega-3 fatty acid. According to DSM and Monsanto, SDA soybean oil has a clean flavor, maintains shelf life and is stable. It has been shown to work in a variety of foods, including dressings, sauces, margarines, spreads, baked foods, soups, snack bars and dairy-based products.
The Food and Drug Administration previously issued a letter of no objection to a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) notification from Monsanto for the oil from the soybeans. Monsanto has completed the required regulatory processes in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and has made submissions for approval in other export markets.
“SDA omega-3 soybean oil would provide a sustainable way for consumers to increase their intake of omega-3 fatty acids that help maintain heart health,” said Federico Tripodi, Monsanto SDA program director. “Food companies are looking for solutions to deliver the benefits of longer chain omega-3s while maintaining flavor over the shelf life of the product. We are excited about the progress we have made with the product and look forward to working with DSM to bring this sustainable plant-based alternative to the market.”
