Moolec Science has achieved a significant regulatory milestone as the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has completed its Regulatory Status Review (RSR) for the company's genetically engineered soybean, Piggy Sooy.
APHIS concluded this new soybean variety, which incorporates animal meat protein, does not pose an increased plant pest risk compared to non-engineered soybeans and thus will not be subject to stringent APHIS regulations.
The approval marks the first of its kind for a genetically-engineered soybean accumulating animal protein, specifically porcine myoglobin, aimed at enhancing nutritional value.
"We are unlocking the power of plants by leveraging science to overcome climate change and global food security concerns," said Moolec Science’s CEO and cofounder Gastón Paladini. "This approval is a testament to our team's hard work and the innovative spirit that drives us."
Functional, nutritious food ingredient
The Piggy Sooy product is designed to provide food manufacturers with a functional and nutritious ingredient that also supports a more sustainable carbon and water footprint. Moolec’s technology allows for the production of animal proteins using plants, aiming to combine the cost-efficiency of plant-based ingredients with the nutritional benefits of animal products.
Following this approval, Moolec Science plans to proceed with the necessary consultations with the U.S. FDA to bring the Piggy Sooy ingredient to market. This represents the next critical step in regulatory approvals required before commercial distribution can begin.
Moolec's commitment to innovation in food technology is supported by a robust patent portfolio and a dedicated team of experts operating across the U.S., Europe and South America. The company’s pioneering efforts in molecular farming are set to offer new solutions for the food and dietary supplementation markets, with the potential to significantly impact the way animal proteins are produced globally.
