V-Label, an international trademark for the labelling of vegetarian and vegan products, has introduced the F-Label, the world’s first certification dedicated to precision fermentation and other innovative animal-free production technologies.

This initiative, unveiled in Zurich, Switzerland this week, aims to enhance consumer transparency and trust in food products derived from advanced fermentation techniques, including biomass fermentation, syngas fermentation and cell-free synthesis.

Building on the success of C-Label

The launch of F-Label comes on the heels of the successful introduction of C-Label, a globally recognised certification for cultivated meat. By establishing a clear framework for labeling cultivated products, C-Label has set a precedent for transparency in the alternative protein sector.

The introduction of F-Label further strengthens this commitment by focusing specifically on precision fermentation, which is poised to play a crucial role in the future of food production.

According to V-Label, the F-Label will help accelerate the transition to a more ethical and sustainable food system by ensuring that consumers can easily identify products that align with their values. This two-pronged approach – first with C-Label and now with F-Label – reflects a comprehensive strategy to foster consumer trust in innovative food technologies.

The evolution of fermentation

Fermentation has been a cornerstone of food production for millennia, with applications ranging from kimchi to cheese and alcoholic beverages. Precision fermentation, however, represents a significant evolution in this age-old process, enabling the production of animal-derived compounds without the use of animals.

The F-Label certification seeks to verify these animal-free production processes, providing consumers with a science-based assurance that products are free from animal sources.

Clarifying consumer choices

The F-Label certification is particularly relevant in a landscape where the definitions of terms like 'vegan' can vary widely based on individual beliefs regarding animal welfare, environmental impact and health.

While F-Label products are guaranteed to be animal-free, they may not always fit the traditional vegan definition. This distinction is crucial, as it allows consumers to make informed choices about the nature of the products they consume, whether they prefer plant-like or animal-like attributes.

Kris Blanchard, founder and CEO of Luyef Biotechnologies, the first company to receive F-Label certification for its precision-fermented myoglobin, highlighted the importance of transparency in the alternative protein sector. “Achieving the very first F-Label license for our myoglobin is a testament to our dedication to transparency, innovation, and meeting the highest standards of quality,” he stated.

The role of precision fermentation in F&B

Precision fermentation technologies hold the potential to transform food production by recreating essential animal-derived ingredients without animal involvement.

Luyef’s myoglobin, for instance, enhances the sensory profile of plant-based and cultivated meat products, bridging the gap between conventional and alternative proteins. This development is particularly significant as consumer acceptance of alternative proteins often hinges on their sensory resemblance to traditional meat products.

The F-Label is designed to establish a new standard for transparency in food innovation. It includes strict criteria that ensure animal-free production, non-GMO status, and antibiotic-free processes, providing both consumers and manufacturers with clarity and confidence in their food choices.

Industry implications and future prospects

The launch of the F-Label marks a pivotal moment for the food industry, particularly for stakeholders in the cellular agriculture and alternative protein sectors.

Renato Pichler, founder of V-Label, said: "Fermentation has the power to replace animal-based ingredients without compromise. With F-Label, we ensure that companies producing these innovations can demonstrate their commitment to ethical and transparent food production while giving consumers the confidence to support these advancements."

Lubomir Yotov, head of F-Label, added that this certification represents more than a label; it signifies a movement towards a future where animal-free production is mainstream. By collaborating with companies like Luyef, F-Label aims to reshape consumer perceptions and support innovations that prioritise ethical and sustainable practices.