Austrian precision fermentation start-up Fermify has obtained self-GRAS status for its animal-free casein.

Fermify uses precision fermentation to create sustainable and economically viable solutions for milk protein production. The company’s platform provides a solution for in-house production of casein proteins, which it says is the ‘missing piece’ to realise animal-free cheese that mimics its dairy-based counterparts, with the right meltability and structure.

The GRAS status validates the quality and safety of Fermify’s casein and is the next step in introducing animal-free cheese and dairy products to the US market and positions Fermify as one of the few suppliers of precision-fermented casein across the nation.

The company says it has also voluntarily notified the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its GRAS conclusion and is now pending a ‘no questions’ letter confirming the status.

“This is a key development for Fermify and the entire precision fermentation sector,” Fermify said in a post on social media. “We are one of the first companies who sell their casein proteins in the US.”

What does this mean for Fermify?

“We are not only allowed to officially let customers and consumers test our product It also verifies that our process and technology has reached a readiness level that we can produce animal-free casein at scale and reach the favourable product specification of a food product.”

Last year, Fermify extended its $5 million seed funding round and introduced Cremer and Interfood as new strategic partners.

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