Fish Oil Selection Guide: What is IFOS Certification? In-depth analysis of the international authoritative "ID card" of fish oil

When buying fish oil products, many brands will emphasize that their products have passed IFOS certification . What does this certification mean? Why is it so important in choosing fish oil products? How can ordinary consumers check and understand the IFOS report?
This article will analyze in detail the "product identity card" of fish oil - IFOS certification.

01 What is the IFOS test report?

IFOS ( International Fish Oil Standards ) was established in 2014. It is an independent third-party testing organization that specializes in rigorous evaluation of the quality, purity and efficacy of fish oil products.
IFOS certification requires that the Omega-3 fatty acid content in fish oil reaches or exceeds the level declared on the label, and sets strict limits on the content of pollutants in the product (such as heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other harmful substances).

• IFOS five-star certification is a non-mandatory certification , but its testing standards are much higher than WHO and FDA.
• Manufacturers need to take the initiative to submit products for inspection, and an independent report will be issued for each batch of products.
• Consumers can learn about the specific conditions of the product by checking the batch number.

02 What does the IFOS test report check?

As the internationally recognized and most stringent fish oil testing standard, the IFOS report evaluates fish oil from four dimensions :

1. Potency evaluation : Test whether the overall potency of fish oil is consistent with the value declared on the product label, including the content of Omega-3, EPA and DHA.
   Example: Labeled content: 1200 mg/pill, actual content: 1269 mg/pill, which is higher than the labeled value.
2. Purity, Safety & Cleanliness : Detects harmful substances (such as PCBs, dioxins, furans, etc.). The lower the index, the purer the product.
3. Freshness and stability : Fish oil is easily oxidized. IFOS will test the acid value, peroxide value, anisidine value and total oxidation value (TOTOX). The reference standard for oxidation value is ≤5meq/kg.
4. Heavy Metals : Detect mercury, lead, total arsenic, cadmium, etc. Fish oil made from small fish is purer, and heavy metal pollution is especially important for children, pregnant women and other highly sensitive groups.

03 What to look for in the IFOS test report?

In order to allow consumers to more intuitively judge the quality of fish oil, IFOS certification results are expressed in a ★★★★★ star system , with the highest level being five stars, representing:

• The ingredients are consistent with the label
• Oxidation value is lower than the certification requirement
• Environmental toxins and radiation values ​​are lower than certification requirements
• Heavy metal content is lower than certification requirements
• The product has passed all IFOS inspections

Each batch of fish oil must be inspected, and only those that pass all the test items can receive a 5-star rating.
Starting from March 2024, some brands (such as WHC) require IFOS reports to display information on fish oil structure and purity, making the information more transparent and consumers more assured.

04 Where can I check the IFOS test report?

Consumers can check the test report through the IFOS official website. The steps are as follows:

1. Go to IFOS official website
2. Click on the "Brand" option and enter the brand name (e.g. WHC)
3. Enter the exclusive brand area, select the corresponding product, and you can view the IFOS test reports within the last two years.

Note: The time displayed is the product's "expiration date", not the testing time, which means that this batch of fish oil can be safely taken before the expiration date.

Common myth: The more batch testing, the safer it is?

The idea that “the more batches tested, the safer” is not actually true.
IFOS focuses on the testing of each batch, but the production capacity of different manufacturers varies greatly. For example, a batch may produce only 1 box or 100 boxes. If all are tested, the former will have 99 more tests than the latter, so more batches do not mean safer.

What's more important:

• The transparency of information (such as structure, purity) and actual test results in the IFOS report are convincing.
• Brands are willing to disclose product information, which shows their confidence in their products.
• Every inquiry by consumers is a vote to promote the healthy development of the market

Conclusion

IFOS certification is an important "identity card" for fish oil products. Only by choosing a brand that has passed IFOS five-star certification and has transparent information can you truly buy and eat with peace of mind!