The Cod Milt – Oil and Protein Processing (TOPP) project aims to develop and optimize hydrolysis processes for the production of valuable products from cod milk using a compact and portable plant.
Photo: Frank Gregersen / Nofima
Nofima has presented a project that will develop and optimize hydrolysis processes for the production of value products based on protein, oil, and DNA from cod milt.
The Cod Milt – Oil and Protein Processing (TOPP) project, funded by FHF – Norwegian Seafood Research Fund and with the cooperation of Nuas Technology and NTNU, strengthens the government commitment "to orchestrating strategies for enhanced value creation within the seafood industry."
"This commitment aligns with the principles of the circular bioeconomy, focusing on sustainable production and maximizing the utilization of raw materials."
According to the Nofima press release, the main aim of this project is to develop and optimize hydrolysis processes for the production of valuable products from cod milk using a compact and portable plant.
"Utilizing marine resources more efficiently offers economic, ethical, and environmental advantages. It should be a goal that the raw material follows the food first principle, ensuring that raw materials are initially allocated for direct consumption before exploring opportunities to extract their highest value."
Secondly, benefits will include developing and optimizing the hydrolysis process, moving and installing facilities as well as testing production, and assessing the total utilization of all fractions of cod offal.
Nofima has recalled that "similar to other marine raw materials, cod milt contains high-quality proteins and fats with diverse applications. Cod milt is also recognized as a source of DNA, with a small volume utilized daily for nucleic acid production."
Nofima confirmed "the importance of establishing an optimal process that can be carried out on a large scale and investigate whether there are quality differences between frozen and fresh raw material. Good quality of the raw material is essential for further processing."
The use of compact and mobile hydrolysis plants that can be placed where the raw material is landed is the way to ensure the freshness and quality of the raw material.
Afterwards, Nuas will focus on relocation, installation, and pilot production in Nuas’s facility in Senja.
Finally, potential customers will test the products produced in the project. Also, a literature study will assess the total utilization of all fractions of offal from cod, as there is already a lot of literature documenting nutritional content.
