The Protein Brewery, a Dutch food ingredients company, has received EU Novel Food authorisation for its mycelium ingredient Fermotein, making it the first novel mycelium ingredient to be approved in the EU. After six years of submission and approval process, the ingredient, produced from Rhizomucor pusillus mycelium, has been granted exclusive rights and will soon be available for sale in the European market. The approval from the European Commission follows a positive scientific opinion from EFSA and a vote from the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed.

With the approval in place, The Protein Brewery plans to supply 600 metric tonnes of Fermotein in 2027 and aims for a production capacity of over 2,000 tonnes by 2029. The ingredient, rich in complete protein, dietary fiber, and micronutrients, is already available in Singapore and the US and is set to expand its reach across Europe. CEO Thijs Bosch highlighted the strong demand for Fermotein among European brands, signaling a significant milestone for the company.