US-based food-tech start-up Plantible Foods has received a ‘No Questions’ letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), validating the safety of its Rubi Protein ingredient made from duckweed.

The letter, in response to Plantible’s Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) notice for Rubi Protein, positions Plantible as the first company to receive FDA acknowledgement for the use of isolated RuBisCO protein in food applications.

Rubi Protein is derived from water lentils (Lemna), a member of the ‘duckweed’ family of aquatic plants. It is grown in enclosed commercial greenhouses and processed at Plantible’s facility in Eldorado, Texas.

The ingredient contains approximately 85% protein by weight and is primarily composed of RuBisCO, the key enzyme responsible for photosynthesis in all green plants and the most abundant protein in nature.

A critical step in unlocking large-scale commercial adoption, the FDA’s response affirms Plantible’s conclusion that its ingredient is GRAS under the intended conditions of use.

Now, Plantible said it is accelerating its production capacity to meet growing demand across multiple food and beverage categories following completion of this regulatory milestone.

Rubi Protein offers a neutral taste profile, high solubility and strong emulsification and foaming functionality. According to Plantible, it can help manufacturers to improve functionality, sustainability and costs without compromising taste or texture.

The regulatory milestone is expected to accelerate adoption across baked goods, beverages, plant-based meat and dairy analogues, protein bars, snacks and soups.

Tony Martens, founder and CEO of Plantible, said: “The completion of the FDA review validates years of investment in safety, transparency and scientific diligence”.

“As global demand for stable, sustainable and clean label proteins continues to rise, Rubi Protein provides manufacturers with a highly functional ingredient that is both nutritionally robust and environmentally efficient.”

Martens established Plantible in 2016 alongside fellow Dutch entrepreneur Maurits van de Ven, aiming to rebuild the global food system and unlock the power of plants to promote the health and longevity of people and the planet.

The company opened its first commercial production facility in Texas last year, marking the transition from R&D to full-scale manufacturing.

Top image: © Plantible Foods