The Protein Brewery, a food-tech company based in the Netherlands, has received regulatory approval for its Fermotein fungal biomass ingredient in Singapore.

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has granted the start-up approval to import, manufacture and sell food ingredients featuring Fermotein in the country.

Fermotein is a fermented fungi, described by The Protein Brewery as having a ‘highly nutritious, healthy and sustainable’ profile. It is rich in fibre and protein and can be made of globally available, water-efficient and non-allergenic crops such as corn, potatoes, cassava and sugar beet. According to the firm, its ingredient eliminates common organoleptic drawbacks associated with other plant-based proteins.

The company submitted a novel food dossier on Fermotein to various regulatory agencies worldwide, including SFA. It has also secured self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status in the US, for the use of a new fungi strain’s mycelium in human food.

Following its expansion from the US into the Singapore market, The Protein Brewery also has its eyes on the UK and European Union. It is currently awaiting novel food authorisation within these markets.

Sue Garfitt, CEO of The Protein Brewery, said that the company sees “tremendous potential to enhance the nutritional landscape of everyday food and drink choices for the busy Singaporean population”.

She added: “We recognise the trend towards convenience-driven food choices, often leading to reliance on ready-to-eat and takeout meals. By incorporating Fermotein into these and more traditional dishes, we will increase their nutritional value, enriching them with protein and fibre without compromising on taste and texture.”

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