PoLoPo, an Israeli molecular farming pioneer, today (May 22) announced it has submitted an application for Regulatory Status Review to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, the first step toward regulatory approval for a genetically modified potato that can produce egg protein.
For food processors reeling from wildly fluctuating egg prices, supply chain instability and avian flu outbreaks, “The production of ovalbumin in plants, not animals, will transform food processing with a price- and supply chain-stable option and set off a domino effect on sustainability,” said Maya Sapir-Mir, CEO of PoLoPo.
The company’s SuperAA platform “turn[s] the potato plant into a micro-biofactory derived from proprietary metabolic engineering techniques.” The potato plants manufacture the target proteins in the plant and store them in the tuber. Tubers are harvested when they reach sufficient size, then their proteins are extracted and dried into a powder “that integrates seamlessly into current food processing lines and formulations,” the company said.
While derived from genetically engineered plants, the resulting protein powder contains no genetic material and is considered non-GMO, according to the company.
If granted – PoLoPo expects approval in about six months – USDA approval will establish that the company’s platform poses no agricultural or pest risk compared to traditional potato growing. Then PoLoPo will look for U.S. partners and local growers.
PoLoPo’s protein soon will be available to the food industry for testing. To obtain a sample contact [email protected].
PoLoPo says it’s the first Israeli molecular farming company to seek U.S. regulatory approval.
