Could Precision Fermentation Play a Crucial Role in Saving the Food System?

The global food system is facing unprecedented challenges. Climate change, population growth, and dwindling resources are putting immense pressure on food production, distribution, and consumption. In this context, precision fermentation emerges as a promising technology that could revolutionize the food industry and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient food system. Recently, in February 2023, nine food-tech startup companies united to create a precision fermentation alliance to make meaty flavors for providing meat alternatives. 

Moreover, according to a recent report published by Research Dive, the growing consumer preferences for plant-based protein are expected to propel the growth of the global precision fermentation market over the estimated period. The market is anticipated to generate a revenue of $34,868.1 million and rise at a stunning CAGR of 40.5% during the estimated timeframe from 2022 to 2031. The major players of the market include Eden Brew, Imagindairy Ltd., Impossible Foods Inc., Change Foods, and many more. 

Unlike traditional fermentation, which relies on the natural fermentation of microorganisms, precision fermentation uses genetic engineering and advanced bioreactor technologies to produce specific processes. This approach enables the production of a wide range of food ingredients with high quality, consistency, and purity while reducing the environmental impact and improving food safety. 

Why Should FoodTech Companies Adopt Precision Fermentation?

Precision fermentation offers numerous benefits that could help address some of the most pressing challenges of the food system. The following are some main reasons for embracing precision fermentation:

• Sustainability: Precision fermentation can reduce the environmental impact of food production by using fewer resources such as land, water, and energy, and producing fewer greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and pollution.  For instance, precision fermentation can replace animal-based ingredients such as meat, dairy, and eggs which are resource-intensive and contribute to climate change with plant-based alternatives that are more sustainable. 
   
• Innovation: This technology can unlock new opportunities for innovation and creativity in the food industry by producing novel ingredients and products that are not possible to obtain through traditional methods. This can lead to the development of new flavors, textures, and nutritional profiles that appeal to different tastes and preferences. 
   
• Health: Most importantly, precision fermentation can improve the nutritional quality and safety of food by producing functional ingredients such as proteins, fibers, vitamins, and probiotics that promote health and prevent diseases. 

Who is Widely Using Precision Fermentation Now?

Precision Fermentation is a technique that involves genetically modified microbes to produce specific compounds or ingredients used in the food industry. This method has been used extensively in the production of various food products, including dairy. Some of the major food-tech companies using precision fermentation are listed below: 

• Perfect Day: It is a food-tech company that produces animal-free dairy proteins using precision fermentation. The company uses a fermentation process to produce whey and casein, the two proteins found in milk. The proteins produced by Perfect Day are produced without the use of animals. This technique is more sustainable than traditional animal agriculture, and it also eliminates the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with animal products. 
   
• Clara Foods: It is a company that produces animal-free egg whites using precision fermentation. The company uses a fermentation process to produce proteins that are identical to those found in chicken eggs. These proteins can be used in a variety of food products, including baked goods and mayonnaise. 
   
• Impossible Foods: This company produces plant-based meat alternatives. They use precision fermentation to produce heme, a molecule found in animal blood that gives meat its characteristic flavor. The company uses genetically modified yeast to produce heme, which they use in their plant-based burgers and other products. 

Is Precision Fermentation Dairy Safe?

Precision fermentation is generally considered safe for use in food production. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed precision fermentation products to be Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), which means they are safe for consumption. The FDA regulates the use of precision fermentation products in the same way it regulates traditional food products. In the case of precision fermentation in dairy production, there are some concerns about the safety of the products produced. However, the proteins produced by Perfect Day have been deemed safe for consumption by the FDA. These proteins are identical to those found in cow’s milk, and there is no evidence to suggest that they pose a risk to human health. 

Precision Fermentation: Crafting a Better Future for Food

Precision fermentation is a promising technology that has the potential to revolutionize the food industry. It offers a sustainable and safe way to produce animal-free dairy products, meat alternatives, and other food ingredients. As the FDA has approved precision fermentation products to be safe for consumption, precision fermentation is poised to play an important role in the future of food production.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.