Enifer Files EU Novel Food Dossier for Mycoprotein & Targets Singapore Debut

Courtesy: Iiro Muttilainen

In the EU, any food that wasn’t consumed to a significant degree before May 1997 is considered a novel ingredient. Pekilo’s revamped process of using agricultural sidestreams instead of forestry byproducts mean it is classed as a novel food too, requiring pre-market authorisation from the EFSA.

The EU’s regulatory framework, however, is amongst the world’s most rigorous. The complexity and timelines involved have spurred many companies to look to other markets first, but recent changes are meant to make it easier for both homegrown and overseas businesses to file for approval.

“Making predictions on EFSA approval timelines is notoriously difficult. Some companies have been in the process for more than four years already,” says Ellilä. “However, EFSA has been clarifying the process in recent years, and we’ve been able to learn from some of the difficulties faced by other companies.”

He adds: “Thanks to the long, safe history of the use of Pekilo in animal nutrition, we also believe we have a particularly strong case. We believe that three years is a realistic timeline, all things considered.”

Enifer will also kickstart its efforts in the US and Singapore “as soon as technically possible”. “Filing in Singapore should happen within a few months,” Ellilä says. “A GRAS [Generally Recognized as Safe in the US] filing will take longer as the process is somewhat different.”

Asked about the company’s market launch strategy, he reveals: “Considering that regulatory approval is likely first in Singapore, we would probably go for a first limited launch in products like snack bars, where Pekilo can bring a healthy dose of protein and fibre without imparting negative off-flavours.”

The development comes as interest in fungi protein booms. While plant-based and cultivated meat startups have struggled, fermentation-derived alternative protein startups raked in nearly 30% more investment in the first three quarters of this year than they did in all of 2023. This includes a $100M Series C round for mycelium startup Meati, a $58M Series B round for mycoprotein maker Infinite Roots, and a $28M growth equity round for MyBacon producer Ecovative.

Anay is Green Queen’s resident news reporter. Originally from India, he worked as a vegan food writer and editor in London, and is now travelling and reporting from across Asia. He’s passionate about coffee, plant-based milk, cooking, eating, veganism, food tech, writing about all that, profiling people, and the Oxford comma.

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Publish date : 2024-10-31 01:00:00

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