China green lights Calysta’s novel protein for use in shrimp and fish feed
The product authorization follows a thorough evaluation process by MARA, affirming the safety and efficacy of the novel protein.
The US firm says the approval marks a significant milestone for Calysta's joint venture with Adisseo, known as Calysseo, which is on the verge of delivering its inaugural product to customers through Adisseo's sales network in China.
Calysta's first commercial production facility, located in Chongqing, China, with a yearly capacity of 20,000 tons, operates as part of the joint venture with Adisseo.
Allan LeBlanc, vice president and aquaculture lead at Calysta, speaking at Blue Food Innovation in London in June last year, underscored the capital-intensive nature of systems like SCP production and he highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts with partners, including customer, sales, distribution, and production tie-ups, in achieving the necessary scale, volumes, and financing for aqua feed ingredient production.
GRAS status in the US
In addition to the Chinese approval, FeedKind secured Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2023. The FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine granted GRAS status for the protein's use in salmonid feeds at levels up to 18% of the diet. In the US market, FeedKind is identified by its common name, dried fermentation biomass.
The move brings the US closer in line with existing approvals in other markets throughout the world, such as the EU, said Herman Sloot VP of commercial development at Calysta.
The protein product is a ‘perfect fit’ for the trout industry and the burgeoning recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) industry for Atlantic salmon, claimed LeBlanc.
