Omega Protein Corporation, a manufacturer of fish oils containing healthy, long-chain omega-3 fatty acids rich in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), announced that it has entered into a manufacturing and supply agreement with National Starch and Chemical Company. Omega Protein will be the exclusive provider for 100% of National Starch's requirements for long-chain omega-3 fish oil. National Starch will encapsulate Omega Protein's long-chain omega-3 fish oil product, OmegaPure, into a free-flowing dry powder called Novomega, which will then be marketed to National Starch's worldwide customer base.

National Starch is a leading producer of innovative starch-based ingredients for the global food industry. The company makes viscosifiers, texturizers, mouthfeel enhancers, emulsion stabilizers, resistant starches and functional native starches. National Starch sells to over 1,000 food manufacturers.

In the agreement, Omega Protein has granted National Starch a license to use the OmegaPure trademark in connection with the packaging of its products. The agreement is for an initial term of two years, and it may be extended by the parties.

"We are excited about the opportunity to introduce OmegaPure to National Starch's global customer base," said Joe von Rosenberg, Omega Protein's president and chief executive officer, "especially in light of the recent FDA announcement concerning the importance of EPA and DHA in fighting coronary heart disease. The FDA health claim should encourage the development and production of foods fortified with long-chain omega-3s."

Omega Protein manufactures OmegaPure, an odorless, taste-free fish oil that is rich in EPA and DHA long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. OmegaPure has been approved by the FDA as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for inclusion in several food categories. Food manufacturers have already begun to use OmegaPure as an ingredient in buttery spreads, liquid eggs, salad dressings and other functional foods.