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Why IKOS?
Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids but
are equally concerned with potential contamination issues. What is more, recent clinical
data suggests that mercury and PCBs from edible marine sources can have negative health
effects. The IKOS Program is ideally positioned as a reliable source for third party
validation. The IKOS Program delivers a suitable venue for the krill oil supplement industry
to showcase credible product sources.
How does IKOS compare to other certification programs like 'Good Manufacturing Practices'
and 'ISO 9000 Series'?
The IKOS Program is concerned with the quality of krill oil products as it relates to the
international standards established by WHO and the CRN for purity and concentration of marine oils. The
GMP and ISO certifications are concerned with the manufacturing protocols and consistency
of manufacturing procedures behind the making of the krill oil product. The quality of
krill oil products and the quality of the manufacturing of krill oil products are two very
different things. If a manufacturer is ISO certified, it means they follow the same
guidelines every time they make the same product line and that each step is documented and
followed. This does not mean the krill oil product is of high purity and high concentration.
What is the IKOS Certification Mark?
For no additional charge, brands may apply for and use the IKOS Program Certification Mark
on their krill oil product labels. The purpose of the Certification Mark is to further demonstrate
to consumers that a product line has been tested by the IKOS Program. Companies must submit
a minimum of 85% of all batches produced in order to be eligible to use the Certification
Mark; in fact, most companies using the Certification Mark test 100% of the batches produced.
If any batches are skipped, the company must produce a Certificate of Analysis from their
supply chain confirming that the batch is compliant with IKOS Program testing standards.
In some instances, there is a time lag between the production of a batch and an IKOS Program
Consumer Report. In those cases, the company is allowed to continue using the Certification
Mark on the corresponding labels until the IKOS rating for that particular batch is confirmed.
Why does IKOS choose the CRN and WHO standards over other standards such as European
Pharmacopoeia?
The IKOS Program is an international program, and the WHO and CRN standards are internationally
recognized bodies for the standards for purity in every country where krill oil products are sold.
IKOS provides a one-stop solution for consumers and krill oil product promoters in every country
for a worldwide benchmark of compliance. There is currently no 3rd party monograph for krill oil
or krill oil based products.
Why is third party validation testing important?
All manufacturers of krill oil products have a Certificate of Analysis for each batch they make.
As a third party testing service, IKOS will verify that the manufacturer’s Certificate of
Analysis is factually correct. This provides the added comfort that the krill oil product you
are using is a premium product. A number of factors including bottling, a lack of nitrogen
purging and many others may contribute to the degradation of an oil from initial manufacture
to the shelf. The IKOS Program tests all batches as a finished product, in the same format a
consumer would purchase the product. Certificates of Analysis from a manufacturer do not
necessarily represent the testing results for the finished product.
Why Nutrasource Diagnostics Inc.?
Nutrasource Diagnostics Inc. (NDI) is the world leader in health, wellness and nutritional
research, human diagnostic testing and krill oil testing as it relates to omega-3s. NDI has
tested thousands of marine oil samples for omega-3 levels, and its scientific advisory board
has consulted for some of the biggest corporations in krill oil manufacturing, distributing
and retailing. In addition, NDI scientists have advised health ministries in various countries.
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