54. What is fish protein and why is it important? 



Fish protein is a substance containing ail the amino acids essential to 

 hunnans in proper proportions to nnaintain health. I n concentrated fornn, 

 fully dehydrated and defatted, it can be shipped and stored for long 

 periods without refrigeration. 



Protein deficiencies exist in areas of the world where starchy foods 

 are used as a dietary staple. The critical areas of the world are the Far 

 East, Near East, Africa, and Latin America. In these areas, nearly 60 

 percent of the people receive less than one-half ounce of animal protein 

 daily. It has been stated many times that two-thirds of the world's 

 population lack sufficient animal protein. 



Roughly refined fish protein has been used as feed for chickens, pigs, 

 and cattle, but it was not until February 1, 1967, that the U. S. Federal 

 Food and Drug Administration approved the use of whole fish protein 

 concentrate for human consumption. 



The U. S. Congress has authorized a pilot plant in the Pacific North- 

 west, and plans have been made to set up demonstration plants in coun- 

 tries whose people have protein deficiencies. The purpose of the 

 program is not to ship fish protein to other countries, but to help them 

 develop their own industry. ' 



Varieties of fish that are not presently used for food can be used for 

 protein concentrate to supplement the diet of millions of people who 

 are not receiving enough protein to maintain a healthy existence. 



Food and Agriculture Organization (UNESCO) 



The Director-General's Program of Work and Budget for 1966-67, 



C. 65/3, April 1965. 

 U. S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries 



Fish Protein Concentrate, Reports 1-5, 1962. 

 Van Camp Sea Food Company 



Potential Resources of the Ocean, Long Beach, California, 1965. 



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