#USA #Salt Lake City #GOED Omega-3 #Global Omega-3 Day #EPA DHA

Celebrating 20 Years of GOED

On March 3, 2026, the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED) proudly marked its 20th anniversary. This milestone coincided with Global Omega-3 Day, an occasion meant to raise awareness about the crucial role omega-3 fatty acids play in our health.

From its humble beginnings in 2006, when it was established as a spin-off from a group within the Council for Responsible Nutrition, GOED has significantly evolved. It has transformed into a global authority representing the entire EPA and DHA omega-3 supply chain, dedicated to promoting public health through increased consumption of these essential fatty acids.

Achievements Over Two Decades

Since its inception, GOED has made significant strides, establishing itself as a leader in the omega-3 industry. Among its key achievements are:

GOED Voluntary Monograph

This document has set the gold standard for quality within the omega-3 category. GOED member companies are required to adhere to strict quality and ethical standards outlined in this monograph as a condition for membership. This initiative fosters excellence and enhances consumer trust in omega-3 products from GOED members.

Global Advocacy Efforts

GOED has a proven track record in advocating for international standards and intake recommendations. Notable accomplishments include:

• - Supporting Article 13 claims within the EU in 2011.
• - Advocating for a Codex Fish Oil Standard in 2017.
• - Achieving a qualified blood pressure health claim in the U.S. in 2019.
• - Influencing revisions to proposed regulation concerning contaminants in the EU in 2024.

Consumer Education Initiatives

In 2015, GOED launched a broad consumer education campaign in the U.S., which successfully boosted omega-3 supplement sales. This initiative also shifted the conversation in media regarding omega-3 benefits. The campaign laid groundwork for platforms like AlwaysOmega3s.com, allowing for ongoing consumer education.

Scientific Infrastructure

GOED has developed extensive resources to assist its members. This includes the Clinical Study Database, which catalogs over 50,000 published studies on EPA and DHA omega-3s, offering a searchable index of 5,000 human studies. Another innovative tool, the Global Omega-3 Navigator, provides regulatory and technical information relevant to the omega-3 industry across the globe.

The Importance of Global Omega-3 Day 2026

The selection of March 3 as Global Omega-3 Day was a strategic decision to underscore the existing deficit in global EPA and DHA omega-3 intake versus what is essential for optimal health. Despite extensive knowledge of omega-3 benefits for heart, brain, eye, and prenatal health, approximately 90% of the worldwide population fails to meet the recommended intake of these fatty acids.

Ellen Schutt, the Managing Director of GOED, emphasized that this anniversary not only celebrates achievements but also serves as a rallying cry for action. 'The scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of EPA and DHA is overwhelmingly positive, yet the intake gap persists. Our mission for the next 20 years is to transition from awareness to action, ensuring everyone realizes the foundational role of EPA and DHA in human health,' she noted.

Actionable Steps to Increase Omega-3 Intake

GOED advocates for three simple strategies to enhance omega-3 consumption, urging individuals to:
1. Eat fatty fish (e.g., salmon, sardines, mackerel) at least twice per week.
2. Use omega-3 supplements derived from fish, krill, or algal oils to achieve the minimum daily intake of 500 mg.
3. Choose foods and beverages fortified with EPA and DHA whenever possible.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Omega-3s

Following the celebration of its 20th anniversary, GOED will further its mission during the GOED Exchange 2026, slated for March 17–19 in Singapore. This event will gather industry leaders to discuss the future of omega-3s, with particular focus on scientific advancements, production improvements, and effective communication strategies to meet the burgeoning global demand for these vital nutrients.

About GOED: The Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3s is a not-for-profit trade association committed to incorporating science-based information to promote and enable the consumption of quality EPA and DHA for the betterment of public health. For further details, visit goedomega3.com or alwaysomega3s.com.