EU Approval for Fermentation-Derived Plant-Based Flavourings in Pet Food

Fermentation-Derived Plant-Based Flavourings in Pet Food Gain EU Approval German specialty chemicals company Wacker has secured EU approval for its fermentation-derived amino acids, which can be used as plant-based additives to boost the palatability of pet food. The EU's decision covers Wacker's L-cysteine and L-cystine ingredients, sold under the Fermopure label, which can be used as flavour precursors and components for better-tasting animal feed. These amino acids can be used as sensory additives for all animal species. Wacker's amino acids are highly effective at low doses and suitable for a range of formats, including liquids, chewable products, tablets, and powders. The company produces advanced specialty chemical and biotechnological products, including cyclodextrin and cysteine products derived from fermentation, for the personal care, life science, and food sectors. The Fermopure ingredients use glucose as a feedstock for microbes. L-cystine is produced via a suitable production strain of E. coli and then purified. This can then be reduced to L-cysteine through electrolysis. This process enables Wacker to eschew animal-based raw materials, which form the basis of conventionally sourced L-cysteine, and instead leverage biotechnology to produce a more sustainable alternative. When added to pet food during production, L-cysteine and L-cystine react with reducing sugars as part of the Maillard reaction, producing meaty and savoury aromas and flavours. This could benefit the growing crop of vegan dog and cat food solutions, as new literature continues to extol the nutritional efficacy and benefits of plant-based ingredients for our furry friends. Health and nutrition drive pet food purchases more than any factor, with a significant proportion of owners open to considering an alternative protein option for their dogs and cats. To drive adoption, companies need to boost nutritional soundness, health credentials, and palatability. The approval of Wacker's fermentation-derived amino acids provides pet food manufacturers with a clear regulatory framework for the use of Fermopure. The company's products are highly effective at low doses and suitable for a range of formats, making them a valuable addition to the pet food market. ## A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Amino Acids Wacker's use of biotechnology to produce a more sustainable alternative to conventionally sourced L-cysteine is a significant step forward in the pet food industry. The company's fermentation-derived amino acids are highly effective at low doses and suitable for a range of formats, making them a valuable addition to the pet food market. ## Expanding the Range of Pet Food Products in Europe With the new EU approval, Wacker is expanding its range of pet food products in Europe to include amino acids produced through fermentation. This ensures that the company's customers receive products made from plant-based raw materials that are of the highest quality and fully traceable. The approval of Wacker's fermentation-derived amino acids is a significant development in the pet food industry, providing pet food manufacturers with a clear regulatory framework for the use of Fermopure. The company's products are highly effective at low doses and suitable for a range of formats, making them a valuable addition to the pet food market.