SmartGrain Quality and Integrity

Product Quality and Integrity

SmartGrain quality and integrity is dependent on three pillars of quantitative analysis. They are product stability, sensory evaluation, and safety.

SmartGrain Stability

SmartGrain products are created through a patented technology called ingraining. This is a natural process and a unique solution to the challenges of oxidative stability specific to the unstable chemical structure of OMEGA 3 ALA, DHA, EPA. Ingraining is achieved through various stages of the germination process, whereby the seed metabolizes the DHA and EPA from a marine source to become included in the cellular matrix of the seed.

Ingraining is much different than current methods of spraying or mixing fish oil onto the surface of the food or seed particle. Through ingraining, the DHA and EPA from marine source now have become part of the seed and plant metabolism. This receptive internalization of DHA/EPA is the key to its oxidative stability. In fact, if the seed is further developed into a leaf bearing plant, lipid analysis confirms the presence of DHA/EPA in the living plant tissue. This demonstrates for the first time the presence of DHA/EPA in the chemical structure of a living terrestrial plant. Complete OMEGA 3 in SmartGrain flax is stable for up to 18 months based on anisidine and peroxide values.

Sensory Evaluation

SmartGrain products are produced to minimize any fish or marine taste and odor transference. This is accomplished through the DHA/EPA load levels, as the ingraining process can be effectively used to produce a tailor made level of complete OMEGA 3 in specific seeds. Of course, the higher concentration of DHA/EPA, the more potential for sensory pick up, but generally speaking levels of 50 to 100 mg. DHA/EPA per 10 grams can be achieved without any sensory compromise.

Another factor in managing sensory challenges is the use of different grains or seeds to serve as masking agents in various combinations. For example, ingrained grape seed with DHA/EPA in powdered form can be used as a nutritious carrier of DHA/EPA in baking mixes while enhancing taste and aroma. As part of the SmartGrain quality control program, all lots of production are subjected to taste and sensory evaluation before being approved for release.

Product Safety

All SmartGrain products are produced in compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices. Several years of Research and Development have been directed towards the food safety component of the ingraining process. As a result, strict protocols have been developed to ensure all critical control points in production are identified and solutions put in place to prevent potentially harmful physical and microbial contamination. As added security, every batch of SmartGrain product is tested in an accredited laboratory to confirm the absence of ecoli and salmonella.