V-Label GmbH has introduced F-Label, a certification dedicated to precision fermentation and related animal-free production technologies. The certification applies to processes such as biomass fermentation, syngas fermentation, and cell-free synthesis, which produce compounds traditionally derived from animals without using animal inputs.
“Fermentation has the power to replace animal-based ingredients without compromise”
F-Label is intended to provide transparency regarding the production process of these ingredients, ensuring they are animal-free while differentiating them from traditional plant-based products. Unlike vegan certification, which considers ethical and environmental factors, F-Label verifies that no animals were involved in production while acknowledging that the final products may be molecularly identical to animal-derived ingredients.
The first company to receive F-Label certification is Luyef Biotechnologies, a biotech firm focused on alternative proteins. Luyef’s certified product is a precision-fermented myoglobin designed to enhance the color, aroma, and taste of plant-based and cultivated meat.
“At Luyef, we are committed to developing cutting-edge solutions that accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable and ethical food industry, Achieving the very first F-Label license for our myoglobin is a testament to our dedication to transparency, innovation, and meeting the highest standards of quality,” commented Kris Blanchard, founder and CEO of Luyef Biotechnologies.
The role of fermentation in alternative proteins
Fermentation-based technologies have become a growing area of focus in the alternative protein sector, offering a method for replicating key animal-derived compounds without traditional livestock farming. Ingredients such as Luyef’s myoglobin play a role in improving the sensory attributes of alternative proteins, making them more comparable to conventional meat.
The certification criteria include requirements for animal-free production, the absence of GMOs in the final product, and antibiotic-free processes. According to Lubomir Yotov, Head of F-Label, the initiative supports the development of a food system based on animal-free production technologies.
Renato Pichler, founder of V-Label GmbH, stated, “Fermentation has the power to replace animal-based ingredients without compromise. With F-Label, we ensure that companies producing these innovations can demonstrate their commitment to ethical and transparent food production while giving consumers the confidence to support these advancements.”
