Calysta, the global leader in fermented protein, has made a significant breakthrough with its product FeedKind®, which has been recognized as generally safe (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Center for Veterinary Medicine at the FDA granted FeedKind protein GRAS status for use in the US in salmonid feeds at up to 18% of the diet, opening up a vast market for aquaculture companies. FeedKind protein will be listed under its common name, dried fermentation biomass, in the US.
FeedKind protein provides a nutritionally rich, non-GMO protein ingredient that meets the growing market need for proteins for feed and food while preserving biodiversity. It is an ideal fit for the trout industry and the rapidly expanding recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) industry for Atlantic salmon. The protein source is an excellent alternative to other protein sources, free from heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics. Animals fed on FeedKind receive only the nutrients they need.
Allan LeBlanc, VP and Aquaculture Lead at Calysta, said: “With so many exciting developments in US aquaculture, we are thrilled to be able to access this market. FeedKind protein is a perfect fit for the trout industry and the burgeoning recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) industry for Atlantic salmon.”
The protein ingredient can be produced throughout the year without using any arable land or animal or plant ingredients, making it a protein source without limits. The GRAS status in the US is an essential milestone that puts the US on par with other markets worldwide, such as the EU. It enables Calysta to expand the market opportunity for this revolutionary product.
Herman Sloot, Vice President of Commercial Development, said: “US GRAS status was a key achievement for us, so we are very pleased with the official notice. This brings the US closer in line with existing approvals in other markets throughout the world, such as the EU, and enables us to expand the market opportunity for this revolutionary product. This is an important first step in our path toward US GRAS status for use in pet foods to complement our existing EU and UK approvals for pet food.”
Calysta has already succeeded with its joint venture with Adisseo, Calysseo, with the first commercial-scale facility providing 20,000 tonnes of protein for the Asian aquaculture market. Calysseo has now announced its intention to expand its production footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Calysta’s FeedKind protein has revolutionized the market and will provide sustainable and responsible protein alternatives for aquaculture companies worldwide. The GRAS status is a significant step towards creating a more sustainable future.
