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US-based BMC Ingredients, formerly known as The Better Meat Co, has gained regulatory approval for its Rhiza mycelium ingredient in India.
The company’s flagship ingredient, made through fermentation, has received an approval letter from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), deeming it safe for use in formulations.
This milestone, allowing BMC to serve Indian food manufacturers and expand its international footprint, follows similar approvals for Rhiza in the US, Canada and Singapore.
Rhiza is made by fermenting the mycelium (the root-like structure of fungi) of Neurospora crassa, a fungal strain already benefitting from a longstanding history of human consumption in traditional foods across various regions.
The whole-food ingredient offers a rich source of complete protein and dietary fibre, with more protein per serving than eggs and more fibre than oats, BMC pointed out. It also offers a source of iron, zinc and potassium.
Rhiza is non-GMO, vegetarian and vegan, halal, kosher and clean label. The ingredient is available in two formats: a chunk with a meat-like texture, suitable for use in meat alternatives and hybrid applications; and a powder, to help food manufacturers formulate products with added protein and fibre.
© BMC Ingredients
The company said it intends to make Rhiza commercially available in India starting in Q2 2027.
The approval comes as the US Department of Agriculture has reported that Indian demand for poultry, seafood and dairy is rising, expected to grow as incomes increase. This opportunity extends to other protein-enriched foods, BMC said, with ingredients such as fungi-based proteins offering alternative ways to meet rising protein demand across both blended meat formats and entirely animal-free applications.
Paul Shapiro, CEO and co-founder of BMC Ingredients, said: “India has extraordinary culinary traditions that lend themselves well to a new high-protein mycelium ingredient”.
“Indians want more protein, but they don’t have to get it from meat or processed isolates like whey, and can instead enjoy this all-natural whole food.”
