KnipBio, Inc. received a second GRAS approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of the company’s KnipBio Meal (KBM) in aquaculture feeds. This approval is for the use of KBM in feeds for shrimp and other crustaceans and comes on the heels of its previous GRAS approval for KBM as a feed ingredient for finfish. KnipBio Meal becomes the first single-cell protein to achieve GRAS approval for both finfish and crustaceans.
Larry Feinberg, CEO of KnipBio, said that “GRAS approval from the FDA is based on a complex review process that can take years to complete, so we are delighted that KBM has now received approval for use with both finfish and crustaceans. GRAS designation is a clear indicator that a feed ingredient is effective and safe, and this second approval is another important milestone for our company and moves us significantly ahead in producing alternative proteins. We are proud to be the first American company to invest in the scientific research necessary to receive this designation for aquafeed, and we are committed to building consumer confidence and trust in the safety and quality of our industry. We believe these GRAS approvals uniquely position us to further penetrate the $50 billion global aquafeed market.”
“One of the intriguing aspects we are seeing in the application of KnipBio Meal in crustacean diets is a positive effect on shrimp health. Multiple internal and customer studies conducted on Pacific white shrimp have shown significant improvements in survival under a range of stress conditions, including disease and water temperature extremes. The reason for these health benefits includes improvements in gut health among other explanations. With KnipBio Meal, aquafeed manufacturers now have access to a sustainable, healthy and independently approved alternative protein made from a traceable, single-cell protein,” Feinberg concluded.
Using innovative biotechnology, the company has developed KnipBio Meal, a range of premium aquafeed ingredients built around its “PROTEINplus” technology that combines immunonutrients with single-cell protein.
