Cod liver ol capsules

[rescuer]

How do they put the cod liver oil in capsules?

[Jugglering]

From the fabulously named *Pharmaceutical Processing* website (http://www.pharmpro.com/default.aspx) comes this gem of a paragraph:-

All capsule shells have molded into their surfaces features to ensure better handling. There are sets of indents on the cap, called pre-locks, to hold the empty capsules together during transit from the manufacturer until they are separated on the filling machine. After filling, the capsule parts are rejoined at high speed and the caps and bodies are modified to assist in this process. Air vents are built in to prevent a build-up of internal pressure inside the capsule. When the capsules are closed to their correct joined lengths, locking features hold the capsules securely together sufficient to withstand stresses during automatic packaging, distribution and final handling.

[rescuer]

Thanks Jugglering for your comment. However I have the vision of a vast overflow of cod liver oil and each capsule needing to have lots of oil wiped from it prior to packing in its box.

[scotman]

Interesting question. I think Juggler may be referring to the 2-part capsules which are essentially cylindrical with one piece fitting inside the other.

[buildersmate]

Farmed cod are trained to swallow the empty capsules whole, which passes through the digestive system. Through a process of osmosis, the empty capsule picks up the excess oil from the cod's liver, gradually filling and swelling the capsules.
Filled capsules pass out from the cod in much the same way as roe (use your imagination).
Simple when you know how.

[rescuer]

You're in the wrong job buildersmate -- you should be writing fairy stories. The Grimm brothers have nothing on you.

[NiceCupOfTea]

buildersmate's wonderful answer aside, I 've got an awful vision in my head, after reading jugglering's post, of lots of cod fish in a vat being danced on by humans with bare feet until their little livers expel their oil. Thanks for that.