Mycoprotein ingredient Fermotein receives favorable opinion from EFSA panel

The Protein Brewery (TPB) announced on December 1, 2025, that its Fermotein food ingredient received a positive opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).¹ Fermotein is a fermented fungal biomass powder, which is also called mycoprotein, and contains high levels of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and a full amino acid profile, the press release from TPB explains. The ingredient has a sustainable profile, is suitable for multiple food and beverage applications, and is intended for use in supplements and meal replacements.

Founded in 2020, TPB develops fungi-based food ingredients and focuses on sustainability.

The EFSA Opinion on Fermotein

The EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) released its scientific opinion on the safety of Fermotein following an evaluation of the production, composition, and specifications of the Rhizomucor pusillus biomass powder.

“The information provided on the production process, composition, stability and specifications of the NF [novel food] is sufficient and does not raise safety concerns,” the Panel opinion stated.² “Based on the data provided the Panel considers that there are no concerns regarding genotoxicity. Results from the 90-day study did not show effects of toxicological relevance for humans up to the highest dose tested…The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed conditions of use.” The likelihood of triggering allergic reactions was low, it also noted.

“We are very pleased with this incredible milestone for The Protein Brewery and the EU food industry as a whole, for the first-ever fungal biomass to go through the novel food system,” stated Yvonne Dommels, director of nutrition and regulatory affairs at The Protein Brewery. Dommels also noted that the next step in the process for Fermotein is authorization by the European Commission and the member states and integration into the Union list of novel foods.

In 2021, TPB achieved self-affirmed Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status for the ingredient in the US, and is expecting a no-further-questions letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by the second quarter of 2026. It also achieved regulatory approval in Singapore in 2024, with first customers expected to launch in the first quarter of 2026.

Applications in Foods and Beverages

The latest approval of Fermotein is another step in TPB’s mission towards sustainable protein and nutrition options, the press release explains.

“The Protein Brewery sees tremendous potential to enhance the nutritional landscape of everyday food and drink choices for the busy and aging European population,” explained Thijs Bosch, CEO of The Protein Brewery. “We recognize the trend towards convenience-driven food choices and a stronger reliance on healthy and sustainable nutrition which are high in protein and fiber. By incorporating Fermotein into these and more traditional dishes, we will increase their nutritional value, enriching them with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals without compromising on taste and texture. Moreover, Fermotein has a very low environmental footprint."

Fermotein can be used in a variety of food applications, TPB explains.³ The focus areas include active nutrition, which encompass RTDs and RTMs along with bars and shots aimed at performance and recovery; bakery and snacks, including protein enriched muffins and pancakes; plus dairy alternatives such as plant-based yogurts.

The ingredient also contains the natural compound Spermidine, which is associated with cellular health and longevity, TPB also notes.

The company will be present at Booth 7.3 J23 during Food ingredients Europe, taking place in Paris, France from December 2-4, 2025.

References

1. The Protein Brewery. The Protein Brewery (NL) secures a positive EFSA scientific opinion for its fermented fungal biomass novel food ingredient. December 1, 2025 (accessed 2025-12-01).
2. EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA); Turck, D.; Bohn, T.; Cámara, M. et al. Safety of Rhizomucor pusillus biomass powder as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA Journal. 2025. 23(12). DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2025.9707.
3. The Protein Brewery. Fueling the Future of Food. https://www.theproteinbrewery.nl/application (accessed 2025-12-01).