Panaferd® Frequently Asked Questions

Why is pigment added to salmon and trout feed?

Pigment is a vital micro-nutriment for health and reproduction. It also gives an orange-pink color to the fish’s flesh. In the wild, fish acquire this nutriment through natural sources such as microorganisms, plankton, and shrimp. In the aquaculture industry, it’s important that the fish receive this nutriment through their feed, giving them the desired flesh color found in wild salmon and trout.

How can I find out whether the salmon I buy is fed with natural or synthetic pigment?

For farmed salmon and trout, labelling regulations in most countries do not currently require the disclosure of this distinction. Because of this, statements such as “color added” are commonly used, even for natural pigments such as Panaferd. One way you can be sure is to buy organic salmon and trout, which are fed with natural pigment due to the synthetic form being banned in the organic industry. Premium salmon and trout from Ireland and Scotland also widely select natural pigment as a result of the higher food standards. If you’re unsure, we recommend you ask your store or fish retailer to provide this information.

Does Panaferd have any nutritional value?

Yes, the bacterial microorganism used to produce Panaferd contains high levels of carotenoids including astaxanthin, adonirubin, and _. It also provides the fish with high levels of proteins, vitamins, and minerals. For full specifications about the nutritional value of Panaferd, contact us.

What is the difference between synthetic and natural pigment?

Synthetic astaxanthin pigment is processed by the oil chemical industry through a series of complex reactions. This product only contains astaxanthin carotenoids, and lacks other vital nutriments. It also produces a molecular form (isomers) that is different than the molecular form found in wild salmon.

Natural Panaferd pigment comes from a marine microorganism found in the fish’s natural environment. It naturally produces pigments such as astaxanthin, fully similar to that found in wild salmon.

Is Panaferd free of GMOs?

Yes, Panaferd is fully guaranteed to be free of GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), and is authorized to be used according to today’s organic aquaculture standards.

Is Panaferd made from algae or plants?

Panaferd comes from a bacterial microorganism, Paracoccus carotinifaciens, found at the start of the natural aquatic food chain. We have carefully collected and selected strains that are kept in our labs.

Are there any animals sacrificed to obtain the natural Panaferd pigment?

No, the production of this natural pigment does not require the sacrifice of any animals at any stage of the process.