Onego Bio, a Finnish-US food ingredient company, has formally submitted a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notification to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its innovative product, Bioalbumen.

This non-animal ovalbumin, produced through precision fermentation using Trichoderma reesei, aims to introduce the first non-animal egg protein with an amino acid sequence identical to that of conventional egg protein.

This submission marks a significant step toward addressing the challenges faced by the $300 billion global egg market, particularly in light of supply chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by factors such as avian influenza.

The GRAS notification process is crucial for demonstrating that Bioalbumen meets FDA safety standards for its intended uses, which include applications in baked goods, confectionery, pasta and ready-made meals.

According to Onego Bio's CEO Maija Itkonen, the development of Bioalbumen aligns with the company's mission to create a more resilient food system. “Our GRAS filing reinforces our commitment to building a more sustainable food supply chain,” Itkonen stated.

Itkonen highlighted the potential for Bioalbumen to alleviate supply chain risks and mitigate price fluctuations, while also offering health and environmental benefits.

The production of Bioalbumen through precision fermentation presents a scalable alternative to traditional egg production, boasting a significantly reduced environmental footprint.

Reports indicate that this method can lower greenhouse gas emissions by 89%, reduce land use by 95%, and decrease water consumption by 87% compared to conventional methods. This positions Bioalbumen as a forward-thinking solution for food manufacturers seeking to enhance sustainability in their supply chains.

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