In July 2007, Algatechnologies asked the FSA for an opinion on whether using an astaxanthin-rich extract from Haematococcus pluvialis algal meal, would be equivalent to the existing H. pluvialis algal extract marketed in the European Union (EU) by Valensa Inc. (US Nutra).

Algatechnologies originally supplied Valensa with H. pluvialis meal as a raw material but now seeks approval to manufacture the algal extract using the same technology and source material, and to market the extract as a novel ingredient in the EU.

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid, which is found in H. pluvialis. This microalgae is part of the diet of fish or crustaceans (such as salmon and shrimps) and is responsible for the pink colouration in their flesh, through the ingestion of astaxanthin.

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