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Solazyme gets GRAS OK for Whole Algal Protein

Renewable oil and ingredients company Solazyme has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a favourable response to Solazyme’s notification concluding that Whole Algal Protein is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) as an ingredient in food and beverage products. This No Questions letter will, says the company, further pave the way […]

Renewable oil and ingredients company Solazyme has announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a favourable response to Solazyme’s notification concluding that Whole Algal Protein is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) as an ingredient in food and beverage products. This No Questions letter will, says the company, further pave the way for mainstream adoption of this new source of vegan protein enabling the creation of new products that meet consumer demand for healthy, sustainable ingredients.

Commercialised under the brand AlgaVia Microalgae Food Ingredients, Solazyme uses microalgae, a nutrient-filled cell that is one of earth’s first foods, to produce its nutrient-rich ingredients, including AlgaVia Whole Algal Protein and AlgaVia Whole Algal Flour.  AlgaVia Whole Algal Flour received a GRAS No Questions letter from the FDA in June 2013. AlgaVia Whole Algal Protein and AlgaVia Whole Algal Flour are the first-ever microalgae-based food ingredients of their kind to be GRAS.

“Solazyme continues to build momentum in our microalgae food ingredient platform with this latest No Questions letter, an important milestone for the AlgaVia product line,” said Mark Brooks, SVP, Solazyme Food Ingredients. “AlgaVia will help further Solazyme’s commitment to delivering healthy products that are better for both people and the planet, and to helping food companies create more nutritious, great-tasting foods made with these sustainable microalgae-based ingredients.”

AlgaVia Whole Algal Protein is described as a vegan-friendly, gluten-free product that contains a rich collection of fibre, lipids and micronutrients such as lutein and zeaxanthin. Because of its unique whole cell nature, the protein fortifies in challenging applications such as low pH beverages, dressings and crackers. AlgaVia Whole Algal Flour is a trans-fat- and cholesterol-free lipid powder that enables the creation of healthier products with satisfying taste and texture. This new healthier fat source enables the reduction or replacement of dairy fats, oil and egg yolks, SolaZyme says.

These two AlgaVia microalgae food ingredients are GRAS for use in a number of food and beverage applications, including baked goods and mixes, breakfast cereals, meal replacements, cheeses, milk products, dairy and non-dairy products, frozen dairy, egg products, sauces, snack foods, salad dressings, juices, and more.