February 2, 2024

 

Calysta's Feedkind protein granted formal approval for aquaculture use in China

Calysta's FeedKind protein, derived from industrial waste gases, has received formal approval from China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) for use in aquaculture feeds, Fish Farmer reported.

 

The approval follows an extensive evaluation process, marking a significant milestone for sustainable aquafeed practices.

 

Manufactured in China by Calysseo, a joint venture between Calysta and feed industry leader Adisseo, the FeedKind protein is set to be delivered to customers in China shortly. Calysseo's production plant in Chongqing is already operational, producing FeedKind protein as an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional plant or animal sources for aquafeed diets.

 

FeedKind is described by the company as a natural, sustainable, and traceable feed ingredient produced by fermentation for aquaculture feeds and pet foods, using no plant or animal ingredients. The protein is generated through the harnessing of a naturally occurring microbe that converts methane into a nutritious feed ingredient.

 

Calysseo's extensive trials across popular aquaculture species, including shrimp, seabass, and salmon, have validated the efficacy of FeedKind. Research has demonstrated its benefits for shrimp, promoting strong and healthy growth while activating the immune response to Vibrio, the causative agent of Early Mortality Syndrome.

 

Herman Hong, Adisseo aquaculture manager for China, said that this is a significant step forward for the adoption and use of fermented proteins across global food systems.

 

Hong said MARA approval is more than simply a regulatory step; it is validation that their product is a healthy and practical ingredient for use in aquaculture systems and opens the door for the Chinese aquaculture sector to set new standards in sustainable feed practices.

 

Alan Shaw, co-founder and CEO of Calysta, said approval from MARA is the final piece of the puzzle to bring a truly sustainable, high-quality source of protein to the Asian aquaculture market that offers superior nutrition to existing alternatives.

 

In addition to its main production facility in China, Calysta operates a market introduction facility in Teesside, northeast England, producing sample quantities of FeedKind, showcasing its commitment to advancing sustainable and innovative solutions in aquaculture.

 

-        Fish Farmer