February 19, 2019

KnipBio's novel aquafeed protein declared safe by FDA
 

KnipBio, Inc., a Massachusetts, US-based company that develops advanced nutritional solutions for animal feeds from sustainable feedstocks, has received a "Generally Regarded As Safe" (GRAS) designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Veterinary Medicine for its KnipBio Meal (KBM) aquafeed ingredient for salmonids and other finfish species.

The designation was achieved after an extensive review of feed trial results by an independent panel of subject matter experts who determined KBM to be safe as a feed ingredient for finfish.

KnipBio Meal is the first premium single cell protein to achieve a GRAS designation for aquafeed from the US government, KnipBio said.

"We are very excited by this development. GRAS notification status is different from self-determination because it is the result of a complex review process that takes years to complete," said Larry Feinberg, CEO of KnipBio.

"Many countries consider the FDA's GRAS designation as a strong indication that a feed product has been rigorously tested and reviewed. This designation is therefore an important milestone for our company and moves us significantly ahead of other companies in our industry."

Feinberg added that KnipBio's GRAS designation positions KnipBio Meal as the top choice for "protein complement to fishmeal."

"This milestone also provides us with opportunities to broaden industry access to our products, while eliminating any concerns about their safety and efficacy. For the first time, US aquafeed manufacturers will have access to a sustainable and affordable fishmeal replacement made from a traceable single cell protein," he said.

Feinberg also noted that KBM's approval could lead to more approvals " for the use of KBM in crustaceans as well as for other versions of our single cell protein, including one that creates a natural form of astaxanthin and can potentially serve as a color additive in salmonid feed applications."

- KnipBio