FDA approves krill aquafeed for US salmon industry

According to a news release from Aker BioMarine, the US salmon sector can take advantage of the health and nutritional benefits of krill. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Aker’s QRILL Aqua and QRILL high protein meal for use in salmon feeds.

The approval comes after 10 years of comprehensive research and development for the feeds. The FDA approval permits Aker BioMarine to use its QRILL Aqua and QRILL high protein (QHP) products in freshwater and marine salmonids.

Since Aker BioMarine’s krill products contain astaxanthin, a natural source of red colour that may enhance the colour of salmon flesh, the FDA classified it as a colour additive. The approval of products under this classification is very thorough and krill meal as an ingredient in fish feeds has been subjected to extensive evaluation by FDA during the approval process.

This has been a goal for Aker BioMarine and the fish farming industry for many years, as it is very important for the salmon industry in North America to obtain access to sustainable, safe and highly nutritious ingredients for their feeds.

“We have been waiting for this approval for a long time and are very excited to see this come to life,” said Sigve Nordrum, EVP animal health and nutrition, Aker BioMarine. “We serve the aquaculture industry across the globe and now we are excited to do the same in North America. For years, feed companies and fish farmers in this region were well aware of the benefits of krill for fish feeds and salmon, therefore they have been demanding these products for their North American operations. We look forward to working with our customers in this market to support the production of high quality, sustainable and healthy fish.”

Made from Antarctic krill, Aker BioMarine’s QRILL Aqua functions as a feeding stimulant leading to increased feed uptake and enhanced growth. Studies have demonstrated that QRILL Aqua can help improve health, stress tolerance and fillet quality.

QRILL high protein is a protein rich product used in formulated diets for aquaculture nutrition. It is an excellent source of marine protein for fish and shrimp, leading to increased feed uptake and enhanced growth.