February 21, 2023

Calysta's FeedKind protein gets FDA GRAS status for use in aquaculture

Biotechnology company Calysta has announced that its leading product, FeedKind^®, has achieved a "generally recognised as safe" (GRAS) status with the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

FeedKind^® is made using very little water and no agricultural land by fermenting low cost, land free carbon sources to create a safe, nutritious, traceable and affordable protein, according to Calysta.

Produced via a natural fermentation, the protein is non-GMO, price competitive with existing sources of protein. It has been commercially validated through extensive customer trials in aquaculture and agriculture.

The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine has granted Calysta's FeedKind protein GRAS status for use in the United States in salmonid feeds at up to 18% of the diet. In the US, FeedKind will be listed under its common name, dried fermentation biomass.

The ruling means aquaculture companies in the US now have access to a nutritionally rich and non-GMO protein ingredient that both helps preserve biodiversity while addressing a growing market need for proteins for feed and food.

Allan LeBlanc, vice president 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.

"FeedKind is an exceptional alternative to other sources of protein, and is free from heavy metals, pesticides and microplastics, ensuring animals are only fed the nutrients they need. Because it can be produced year-round using no arable land and without using any plant or animal ingredients, it truly is a protein without limits."

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.

"GRAS status also means the world has an effective and nutritious option added to its toolbox as it comes to grips with the need to produce more food while protecting biodiversity for current and future generations. FeedKind has a far lower carbon footprint than conventional sources of animal protein and can help pet food and animal feed producers achieve their carbon reduction targets."

The status came after Calysta successfully switched on its first commercial-scale facility via Calysseo, its joint venture with animal feed giant Adisseo, providing 20,000 tonnes of protein for the Asian aquaculture market.

Calysseo has already announced its intentions to expand its production footprint in Saudi Arabia.

- Calysta