January 5, 2021

 

University of Copenhagen team see potential Chinese interest in pig blood as protein powder

 

 

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) have figured out a way to transform pig blood into a potent, neutral-tasting protein powder for the food industry.

 

Head researcher Rene Lametsch, an associate professor at UCPH, thinks China may be interested in the new product as the country is already a significant export market for Danish pork. Due to its white color, neutral taste and high nutritional value of 90% protein, the protein powder could serve as a supplement in a wide variety of foods without changing the flavors of the food.

 

It could also be used in hospitals or care homes to give older patients a boost of nutrients.

 

Additionally, the team claimed the protein powder can cut down meat production and help the environment.

 

The scientists are to able to extract 5,000 tonnes of pure protein powder for every 60,000 tonnes of pig blood via a method that uses an enzyme found in papaya. The enzyme removes protein from the blood while simultaneously separating iron, which could be used in other dietary supplements.

 

"We are increasing production sustainability by taking advantage of pig blood as a protein source for human consumption. It is likely that a growing number of people will satisfy their protein needs in the future through alternative food sources, for the sake of (reducing) CO2 emissions and due to food shortages," Lametsch told Intelligent Living.

 

"We have tested the powder in a chocolate bar, as well as in meatballs served to people 65-years-old and up, with positive results. Older people can have a tough time getting enough protein in their diets as they begin to eat less at the exact same time that their bodies need additional protein."

 

The team is looking for investors to proceed with its plans on the protein powder.

 

Danish pig meat is exported to over 140 countries, and the largest markets in the volume are China, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, Poland, Japan, Italy and Sweden.

 

Denmark is among the world's largest exporters of pork but every year up to 60,000 tonnes of blood is leftover from Danish pork production. Most of it is sold on the international market for animal feed but with the protein powder, the team believes it could serve as a sustainable source of protein for human consumption in future. 

  

- ScandAsia