California’s The Better Meat Co. (BMC), a B2B supplier of mycoprotein, announces that it has received the FDA’s “no questions” letter, confirming that its Rhiza mycoprotein, derived from the mycelium of the fungi genus Neurospora crassa, is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for human consumption.
BMC now joins Quorn, ENOUGH (we have yet to verify on this count), and Nature’s Fynd in receiving FDA support for such ingredients, according to BMC. However, the company’s CEO, Paul Shapiro, informs Cultivated X that this news marks the first GRAS for a mycoprotein made with a fungus species outside of the Fusarium genus.
Having a “no questions” letter from FDA adds a stringent level of certainty for purchasers”
The company also announces that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), which evaluated Rhiza as a meat enhancer, has recognized it as suitable and safe for inclusion in animal-based meat and poultry products, a historic first for any mycoprotein, according to BMC.
A stringent level of certainty
Neurospora crassa has a documented history of safe human consumption and the added advantage of not producing mycotoxins or common food allergens. BMC has published studies on the topic to reinforce consumers’ awareness of its safety and asserts that it has never conducted animal testing.
BMC offers Rhiza to manufacturers looking to create hybrid products or 100% animal-free alternatives to meat. Rhiza is already on the market for blended products such as Perdue Farms’ “Chicken Plus” line (half chicken, half plant-based), available in 7,000+ supermarkets.
Additionally, many people have tried it in animal-free steaks, sliced turkey, foie gras, chicken cutlets, bacon (featured image), sausage, jerky, and beef Wellington — developments of the company to showcase the versatility of the ingredient.
When asked if it was possible to commercialize a product before obtaining the FDA’s “no questions” letter, Shapiro explained, “An FDA “no questions” letter isn’t legally required for selling food products in the US. Many companies self-affirm GRAS status and then start selling their ingredient, which is what BMC did.
“But having a “no questions” letter from FDA adds a stringent level of certainty for purchasers that a third party (in this case a government agency) has reviewed all the data and has no concerns about the general safety of the ingredient.”
Making better meat
Rhiza mycoprotein, described as a meat-like single ingredient, is said to contain all essential amino acids and more protein than eggs, making it an “excellent” meat replacer and enhancer. Moreover, it offers micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and potassium while being allergen-friendly and free from cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fats.
BMC claims it can produce mycoprotein in just a few hours and is working to improve and scale its production to reach price parity first with beef and ultimately with chicken. To date, the mycoprotein innovator holds four patents for using several Neurospora species, including Neurospora crassa, as a shelf-stable food ingredient.
TIME magazine named The Better Meat Co., a Top GreenTech company for its work in mycoprotein development.
“Whether as the star ingredient in animal-free meats or as a highly functional meat enhancer, Rhiza™ mycoprotein is the perfect fit for food product developers seeking to make better meat,” Shapiro states.
