French biotech Verley clears FDA safety milestone for functional dairy proteins

Verley, a French food biotechnology company specialising in functional dairy proteins via precision fermentation, has received a 'No Questions Letter' from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), confirming the safety of its ingredients for food use.

The clearance positions Verley for a US commercial launch in 2026 and supports its plans for global expansion.

The FDA letter covers two of Verley’s flagship proteins:

FermWhey Native – a whey protein composed of 95% β-lactoglobulin, supporting performance and recovery in sports and active nutrition.

FermWhey MicroStab – a patented, microparticulated protein offering thermal and pH stability for complex formulations like ready-to-drink beverages.

Verley is said to be the first company worldwide to receive FDA clearance for dairy ingredients made via precision fermentation and enhanced with functionalisation. The 'No Questions Letter' confirms the agency reviewed Verley’s submission and found no safety concerns under the proposed conditions of use.

The milestone follows Verley’s self-affirmed GRAS designation earlier in 2025 and strengthens confidence among US customers, retailers and manufacturers exploring advanced protein solutions. Precision fermentation allows the production of pure, functional dairy proteins without animals, complementing conventional dairy while improving sustainability and functionality.

Hélène Briand, co-founder and chief innovation and commercial officer at Verley, said: "This is a major regulatory validation for our science and technology. Receiving the FDA’s 'No Questions' Letter is not only a milestone for Verley, it’s a signal that precision fermentation is ready to scale and complement conventional dairy, delivering nutritional performance with fewer resources."

"This is just the beginning," added Stéphane Mac Millan, CEO of Verley. "With other geographies in motion and a growing demand for sustainable proteins, we’re proud to set a global benchmark in safety, performance, and trust. And here’s something we’re especially proud of: We received this regulatory clearance just three years after founding the company, a testament to the clarity, speed and execution of our scientific and commercial roadmap."