Israel firm Algatech receives non-GMO, halal and kosher certification

Israeli biotechnology company Algatechnologies (Algatech) has received a non-GMO verification certificate from the Non-GMO Project for its 100% organic Haematococcus Pluvialis microalgae powder and astaxanthin oleoresin.

The company is reportedly the first and only astaxanthin manufacturer to have achieved this verification.

Algatechnologies CEO Hagai Stadler said: "Consumers are actively seeking non-GMO products, so having the Non-GMO Project verify our line in accordance with its strict standards provides our partners added value on top of the existing USDA organic, GMP, kosher and halal certifications."

The company explained that its AstaPure natural astaxanthin is sourced from the Haematococcus Pluvialis microalgae, which is cultivated in Israel’s Arava desert.

Pure, non-GMO algae biomass is essential for meeting regulatory requirements as developers and manufacturers of supplements, foods and beverages cannot possibly test for all potential impurities.

Stadler further added: “The most critical stage affecting the quality of algae-derived products is when the algae biomass itself is produced.

“The importance of the purity of the biomass is essential for making clean-label products. One common characteristic of algae is that it absorbs almost all the components of the medium in which it is grown.

“Therefore, to produce high-quality biomass, the water, equipment, process, all nutrients, and even the air must be clean, strictly controlled and protected along the entire production chain."