News

Parabel gets GRAS No Objection for LENTEIN

5 Sep 2018

Parabel USA, a producer of plant protein ingredients,has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a GRAS No Objection Letter for its LENTEIN plant protein.

Parabel USA, a producer of plant protein ingredients,has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a GRAS No Objection Letter for its LENTEIN plant protein.

LENTEIN is derived from water lentils – Lemnaceae – and has been described as the world's most sustainable and complete food source. According to the company, the protein rich and nutrient dense whole plant solves supply issues for the food industry looking for healthy and sustainable alternatives to conventional ingredients. The high yielding water lentil doubles its biomass in 24 - 36 hours and can be harvested every day.

The protein in LENTEIN is said to be similar to that of an animal protein which Parabel says is unheard of in the plant protein category. LENTEIN contains levels of essential amino acids and BCAAs comparable to whey, higher than other plant proteins including soy, and has a PDCAAS of .93. The ingredient contains other macro and micro nutrients notably Omega 3 fatty acids, Lutein, dietary fibres and is free of food allergens.

"Getting a no objections letter goes beyond our strict compliance to industry standards and reaffirms our company's values of transparency and safety," said Anthony Tiarks, Parabel's CEO.

The FDA also noted that LENTEIN could be considered as a colour additive in future applications, which requires the company to file a petition.

"LENTEIN imparts a vibrant green colour to the application and keeps its colour through different temperatures. Parabel wants to make sure that we are offering not just a highly nutritional product but also an ingredient that solves problems for our customers," Tiarks said.

Parabel's facilities have been successfully audited against SQF standards. SQF is a HACCP based food safety and quality management system recognised by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI). The GFSI is considered to be a leader in food safety advancement. Parabel's products are also Non-GMO Project Verified, and are certified Kosher and Halal.

Parabel's existing facility produces 300 tons of LENTEIN per year and the second farm, due to open early 2019, will produce up to 3,000 additional tons when completed, to meet expanding global demand for plant protein.

"Parabel has a Global Intellectual Property portfolio of over 70 granted and pending patents, covering all aspects of production from crop growth to end products. This focus on our IP, since 2011, has been to ensure that Parabel has global protection in the multiple sectors of our business. A new food ingredient is not only unusual and valuable, but it is a highly disruptive event in the food chain for the world," Tiarks said.