Bon Vivant, a food technology company specializing in precision fermentation, has announced that its recombinant Beta-Lactoglobulin (BLG) whey protein has achieved self-affirmed Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the United States. The company has formally notified the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of its GRAS determination, paving the way for its entry into the US market.
“Commercially speaking, we already signed three collaboration contracts in various markets, including the US and are now working on more for 2025”
Speaking to vegconomist, Stéphane Mac Millan, CEO and co-founder of Bon Vivant, explained the significance of the achievement: “This is such a great milestone. Commercially speaking, we already signed three collaboration contracts in various markets, including the US and are now working on more for 2025. So you will see complementary proteins being used by the dairy industry in the US to help them improve their environmental impact without compromising on taste.”
The GRAS status applies to Bon Vivant’s recombinant BLG, a functional whey protein designed for hybrid and animal-free dairy products. The company claims that it is the first in its field to offer BLG in two distinct forms, enabling tailored functionality while maintaining the nutritional profile of traditional dairy proteins.
Bon Vivant’s precision fermentation technology offers substantial environmental benefits compared to conventional dairy production. A peer-reviewed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) conducted by the company found that its process reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 72%, water consumption by 81%, and arable land use by 99%. The company highlighted the role of sustainability in its mission and how the technology addresses critical challenges posed by population growth and limited resources.
Expanding the market
Bon Vivant joins other precision fermentation companies, such as 21st.BIO and Imagindairy, which have also secured GRAS status in the US for BLG. The achievement enables Bon Vivant to proceed with commercialization while awaiting a “No Questions Letter” from the FDA, expected by the end of 2025.
With regulatory milestones in progress, Bon Vivant is positioned to help the dairy industry integrate sustainable solutions into its supply chain. Mac Millan added, “Notifying the FDA of this GRAS conclusion not only reinforces our engagement with US regulatory authorities but also positions Bon Vivant to meet the growing demand for sustainable, functional, high-performance dairy proteins.”
