The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that oil derived from the microalgae Schizochytrium limacinum (strain ATCC-20889) is safe for use in infant and follow-on formulas at DHA concentrations of 20–50 milligrams per 100 kilocalories.
Infant formulas in the EU are required to contain DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid important for brain and retinal development. The microalgae oil could provide an alternative to fish-based DHA for vegetarian and vegan consumers or those with allergies. It could also help to address sustainability issues such as overfishing.
