Bespoke omega-3 supplement manufacturing

Fish, krill and algal oils as private label omega-3

For premium brands, we are a contract manufacturer of private label omega-3 and bespoke formulas, taking fish, algal and krill oil supplements from the first formula to the finished product at our Leicester facility. We make softgels with gelatine or plant-based shells, including combinations with vitamin D, vitamin E or astaxanthin, flavoured liquids in amber glass, gummies, powders and stick packs. Doses follow the claim, from a source of EPA and DHA for the heart claim to 3 g a day for the blood pressure claim, and every batch comes with a certificate of analysis showing its EPA and DHA content and oxidation values. Your formula is yours.

We work with the main commercial omega-3 sources, each specified by its EPA and DHA content, form and oxidation limits.

Form changes absorption. In a trial in 72 volunteers taking about 3.3 g of EPA and DHA a day, bioavailability from re-esterified triglycerides was 124% of natural fish oil, and from ethyl esters 73% (Dyerberg and colleagues, 2010). We choose the form from the dose per softgel you need, the absorption data you want to cite and your positioning. For programmes that need supply security, we also qualify a second oil source and an algal option, so your range can ride out a shortage without a reformulation.

EPA and DHA doses by claim, and oxidation held in check

Development runs as a paid R&D stage, which can be included with an order of the right size. It moves from your brief to bench samples, a pilot batch and stability studies in your final pack, with sensory checks for fish notes at every step.

Dose and claims

The heart claim does not need a 250 mg dose. "EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart" needs a product that is at least a source of EPA and DHA, meaning 40 mg of the two combined per 100 g and per 100 kcal, and a label stating that the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 250 mg of EPA and DHA. "DHA contributes to maintenance of normal brain function" and "DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal vision" need at least 40 mg of DHA per 100 g and per 100 kcal, with the effect stated at 250 mg of DHA a day. The claims for normal blood pressure and blood triglyceride levels need 3 g and 2 g a day, a statement not to exceed a supplemental 5 g of EPA and DHA combined, and no use on foods targeting children. EFSA could not set an upper level, but found that supplemental EPA and DHA combined at up to 5 g a day raise no safety concerns for adults (EFSA, 2012).

Peroxide, anisidine and TOTOX limits

Omega-3 oils oxidise, and trace metals, heat and light speed the reaction. Oxidation brings fishy off-flavours and erodes EPA and DHA. We measure it three ways: peroxide value for the first products of oxidation, anisidine value for the aldehydes that follow, and TOTOX, twice the peroxide value plus the anisidine value. The GOED Voluntary Monograph sets maximums of 5 meq/kg for peroxide value, 20 for anisidine value and 26 for TOTOX in refined EPA and DHA oils, and does not apply the anisidine test to flavoured oils, where the method is inaccurate (GOED, 2026). We hold oils cool and under nitrogen, add antioxidants such as mixed tocopherols or rosemary extract, and track all three values through stability.

Taste and daily use

Softgel size and aftertaste decide whether customers keep taking omega-3. Concentrates cut the number and size of softgels, enteric coatings hold the softgel closed until it leaves the stomach, and lemon or orange flavours mask fish notes in oils and liquids. Flavour work starts at the first bench sample.

Softgels first, then liquids, gummies and powders

• Softgels are the core format, made in Leicester, with bovine, porcine or fish gelatine shells, or plant-based shells for algal oil, and enteric coating where you want it. See softgel manufacturing.
• Liquids are oils in amber glass, flavoured and filled under a nitrogen headspace, and GMP certified. See liquid supplement manufacturing.
• Gummies carry emulsified or microencapsulated omega-3 at modest doses per piece, and are GMP certified, with an active assay on every batch as standard. See gummy manufacturing.
• Powders and stick packs use microencapsulated omega-3, protected from oxygen, for drinks and shakes.
• Combinations put omega-3 with vitamin D, vitamin E or astaxanthin in one softgel, or beside a multivitamin in a daily pack. See multivitamin manufacturing.

Omega-3 sits within our vitamin and mineral supplement category. We are ISO 9001, HACCP and GMP certified by BSI, and FDA registered. BRCGS implementation under way, certification expected in early 2027.

Kept under nitrogen from goods-in to sealed softgel

Our HACCP study for each product type, reviewed annually, sets the critical control points. Omega-3 products run through these steps at our Leicester facility.

1. Approve and receive. Oils come from approved suppliers, each lot with a certificate of analysis for EPA and DHA content, oxidation values and contaminants, checked against our specification on receipt.
2. Store. Oils are held cool, dark and under nitrogen until use.
3. Blend. Antioxidants, flavours and any added vitamins are blended into the oil under nitrogen.
4. Encapsulate or fill. Softgels are formed around the oil from gelatine or plant-based shell mass, then dried to their target shell moisture and hardness. Liquids are filled into amber glass under a nitrogen headspace. Gummies take the omega-3 emulsion late in cooking, at the lowest workable temperature.
5. Inspect and pack. Softgels are inspected for leaks and shape, then packed into bottles or blisters with oxygen and light barriers, with label verification on every batch as our critical control point, CCP-01.
6. Retain and release. We keep three retained samples per batch for shelf life plus one year, and quality control releases each batch against its specification.

Fish allergens, krill and algal novel foods, and the MSC label

Register claims and dioxin limits in the UK and EU

As of October 2026, the EPA and DHA claims above are on both the EU register and the GB list of permitted health claims. Fish and crustaceans are allergens that must be emphasised in the ingredients list, and fish oil is not covered by the exemption for fish gelatine. Krill oil and algal oils from named microalgae are authorised novel foods, listed in the EU's Union list and the FSA's GB register, each with its own specification and conditions of use, and a new source or strain needs its own authorisation. Marine oils must also meet GB and EU maximum levels for dioxins and PCBs, so we test every lot of oil we receive for them.

EPA and DHA on a US Supplement Facts panel

A US label says "dietary supplement" and lists EPA and DHA in the Supplement Facts panel, with the source oil named. Heart-health wording is a structure/function statement, substantiated, notified to FDA and carrying FDA's mandatory disclaimer.

Sustainability claims and certification

Sustainability wording now needs proof. Since 27 September 2026, EU law bans generic environmental claims that the trader cannot back with recognised excellent environmental performance, and sustainability labels not based on a certification scheme or set up by public authorities. A certified label is the stronger route. The MSC's blue label needs a valid chain of custody certificate at every company in the supply chain, so for brands that want it we source oil from MSC-certified fisheries and arrange MSC chain of custody certification for your product.

How fresh is the oil? An omega-3 manufacturer's oxidation tests

Every batch is tested by accredited partner laboratories (ISO/IEC 17025), and batch testing is part of every order. Nothing is dispatched without quality control sign-off. Our testing and batch release page explains each method.

Our stability and shelf life testing page sets out how we build shelf life from data. You receive a certificate of analysis for every batch, with EPA and DHA content and oxidation values against your specification, and from development the specification, the stability data and the claims review for each market. When your omega-3 is ready to brief, Start your project.

References: Commission Regulation (EU) No 432/2012 (2012); EFSA, scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level of EPA, DHA and DPA (2012); GOED Voluntary Monograph (2026); Dyerberg and colleagues, Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (2010); Bischoff-Ferrari and colleagues, Nature Aging (2025); CCAMLR, krill fishery report for Area 48 (2026); Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 (2011); Directive (EU) 2024/825 (2024).