Mathilde Do Chi is the CEO of Forward Food Law, a food law and regulatory consultancy in global alternative protein regulations. She is an
In this seventh installment of her special series for vegconomist, Mathilde discusses the complicated world of regulations around edible fungi.
Mushrooms and other fungi wonders, how they are regulated
By Mathilde Do Chi
Often grouped with plant-based ingredients although part of a different kingdom of life, fungi are slowly gaining recognition for their primordial role in the food ecosystem.
Their applications seem endless ranging from soil decomposers, carbon sequesters, sustainable materials, adaptogens, food enzymes, colourings, and protein sources.
Recent research from Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic has estimated that the fungi kingdom could have at least 6,800,000 species worldwide. Currently, there are around 2000 of them are considered edible with 200 being either commercially or experimentally cultivated.
Fungi can be consumed in many forms ranging from meat and cheese alternatives like Libre Foods’ mushroom bacon and Formo’s Koji Protein cream cheese to fermentation starters, mycelium powder and extracted ingredients.
However, which food regulations apply to them may not be straightforward as few countries have dedicated fungi regulations. In most cases, fungi are regulated depending on their application such as enzymes, additives, food supplements, medicines, and more.
Authorized fruiting bodies do not always include mycelium
Many of my clients are confused when I explain that the mycelium of a well-documented species like Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) required pre-market approval in various jurisdictions like the US, EU, Australia and New Zealand.
In most cases, the mycelium must undergo a novel food risk assessment before being sold.
Whether a species is considered edible depends on the countries
The consumption of edible mushrooms has been documented sporadically even in regions where food legislation is supposed to be harmonized. In the European Union, food legislation is meant to be applied uniformly across the 27 EU Member States as long as there is an EU regulation applicable to the product category or application.
Czechia is among the few countries that set up a list of edible wild mushrooms that includes Lepista personata, Oyster mushrooms, or Suillus granulatus. If a species is not on this list, the food business operator cannot put it on the market.
Labelling matters
By law, consumers shall be able to make informed choice decisions hence the need to provide mandatory food information to them via the packaging.
Mushrooms and other fungi are required to disclose their scientific name to inform people as the term mycoprotein or mycelium does not refer to a single species.
In 2017, the mycoprotein pioneer, Quorn, was required by the US authorities following the death of an 11-year-old boy allergic to mould to display “allergy advice” to deter people with mould allergies from consuming the products.
Read the other installments of Mathilde’s series here.
