NEWS 64 Alternative Proteins Magazine October 2024 Biotech company achieves GRAS status for its microbial protein UK approves cultivated meat for pet food String Bio, an India-based biotech company, announced the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status of its innovative microbial protein, PRO-DG™, for use in crustacean feed in the U.S. This landmark achievement was affirmed by an independent panel of experts who rigorously evaluated the body of published data supporting the safety of PRO-DG™ for its intended use, the company explained. The GRAS status, governed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sets a high standard for ingredients to be approved for use in both feed and food. String Bio’s PRO-DG™ stands out as it contains approximately 70% protein derived from methanotrophic bacteria, manufactured through the company’s patented String Integrated Methane Platform (SIMP®). According to the company's statement, this advanced platform ensures an ideal amino acid profile, resulting in high digestibility and performance, as validated in various aqua trials. Notably, the protein's tolerability by shrimp was evidenced through peer-reviewed publications (Felix et al., 2023; Nederlof et al., 2023). Speaking on the announcement, Dr. Ezhil Subbian, CEO of String Bio said, “The FDA-regulated GRAS status will enable the commercialization of PRO-DG™ in the United States, opening new markets and opportunities for growth. Many countries look to GRAS status as a strong indication that a feed ingredient has been rigorously tested to meet the highest standard. GRAS status of PRO-DGTM is an important milestone in String’s journey and will boost String Bio’s market presence in the feed sector.” Read more>> Focused on producing sustainable cultivated meat for pets, Meatly received regulatory clearance to sell cultivated meat for pet food in the UK, making it the first in the world to get authorization for cultivated pet food. A huge leap forward for the cultivated meat industry, gaining regulatory approval also makes Meatly the first-ever cultivated meat company approved for sale in any European country, according to the announcement. Commenting on the announcement, Owen Ensor, Meatly CEO said: “Today marks a significant milestone for the European cultivated meat industry. I’m incredibly proud that Meatly is the first company in Europe to get the green light to sell cultivated meat. We are proving that there is a safe and low-capital way to rapidly bring cultivated meat to market.” “We’re delighted to have worked proactively alongside the UK’s regulators to showcase that Meatly chicken is safe and healthy for pets. Pet parents are crying out for a better way to feed their cats and dogs meat – we’re so excited to meet this demand. We can now continue our mission to give consumers an easy choice – ensuring we can feed our beloved pets the real meat they need and crave, in a way that is kinder to our planet and other animals,” continued Ensor. Read more>>
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