Onego Bio, a Finnish-U.S. food ingredient company, has submitted a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notification to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its non-animal ovalbumin, branded as Bioalbumen®. This announcement signifies an important step towards introducing the first non-animal egg protein, with an amino acid sequence identical to that of natural ovalbumin, to the global market.
Bioalbumen® is produced via precision fermentation using the microorganism Trichoderma reesei, positioning it as a sustainable alternative outside of the traditional poultry supply chain. The development of this ingredient aims to tackle supply chain challenges faced by the $300 billion global egg market.
Maija Itkonen, CEO of Onego Bio, stated that the GRAS filing underscores the company’s dedication to enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting a sustainable food system. The product is designed to be integrated into various applications such as baked goods, confectionery, pasta, and ready-made meals.
The GRAS notification process will assess Bioalbumen® for compliance with FDA safety standards. The production method employed by Onego Bio is touted to significantly reduce environmental impacts, including an 89% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 95% decrease in land use, and an 87% cut in water consumption, compared to conventional egg production. This approach also aims to mitigate risks related to Avian Flu, thereby bolstering food security and supply chains in the U.S.
