CFIA Clears AlgaeAsta, a Microalgae-Based Astaxanthin, for Use in Animal Feed
Toronto, ON – June 5, 2026 – The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has approved AlgaeAsta®, a microalgae‑derived astaxanthin ingredient supplied by Iconthin Biotech, for use in animal feed, clearing the way for compliant commercial supply to North America’s aquaculture sector. According to publicly available CFIA records, the listing marks the first time a microalgae‑based astaxanthin source has been accepted for regulated animal feed use in Canada.
Astaxanthin is the pigment responsible for the red colour of farmed salmon and trout. Because fish cannot produce it naturally, it must be added to feed. Until now, most astaxanthin used in aquaculture has come from synthetic or chemically processed sources.
While the approval does not dictate how feed producers must formulate their products, it removes regulatory uncertainty around microalgae-derived astaxanthin, which had previously limited commercial adoption. The decision also points to the growing role of Canadian biotechnology in algae-based ingredient development, with Iconthin Biotech supplying AlgaeAsta® as a compliant natural astaxanthin source for feed manufacturers.
Ontario trials supported regulatory review
As part of the regulatory review, performance data was generated through controlled feeding trials conducted in Ontario at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre (OARC).
Samantha Bezner, MASc student from the Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph
Rainbow trout were fed diets containing different astaxanthin sources, including synthetic and microalgae-derived forms, under identical farming conditions over a three-month period. Researchers evaluated key indicators such as flesh colour, pigment retention, growth, and overall health.
The trials were conducted as applied research and supported through the Mitacs program, which facilitates collaboration between industry and academic institutions.
“We see this as an important step toward expanding access to naturally derived solutions in aquaculture,” said Dr. Alvin Cheng, CEO of Iconthin Biotech Corp. “Over time, this may support the broader availability of naturally pigmented farmed salmon in the Canadian market.”
Feed industry facing sustainability pressure
The decision comes as aquaculture producers face growing pressure to reduce reliance on ingredients linked to petrochemical processing or constrained natural resources.
Microalgae‑based ingredients have drawn increasing attention because they can be cultivated in controlled systems and scaled independently of wild fisheries.
With CFIA clearance now in place, algae‑derived astaxanthin can be considered alongside existing pigment sources within North America’s regulated feed system, aligning with similar ingredient evaluations underway in other major markets.
To learn more, please visit https://iconthin.com/algaeasta/.
About AlgaeAsta®
Developed through advanced R&D by Iconthin Biotech in Canada, AlgaeAsta® is a premium natural astaxanthin ingredient derived from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae. Produced using third-generation closed bioreactor cultivation technology, AlgaeAsta® delivers high-quality, naturally sourced astaxanthin with exceptional productivity, purity, and sustainability for nutraceutical, food, and aquaculture applications.
About Iconthin Biotech Corp.
Iconthin Biotech Corp. is a Canadian biotechnology company specializing in algae-based health products, natural astaxanthin innovation, and microalgae research. The company operates across both consumer wellness and ingredient supply sectors, providing science-backed algae-based solutions for global health markets.
Social Media Handles: @iconthinbiotech, @iconthin
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