TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – Animal-free dairy developer Remilk achieved a crucial step in getting its protein to consumers in the US, obtaining self-affirmed generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status that is required by the US Food and Drug Administration.

The GRAS status greenlights Remilk protein, signaling it is safe for consumption when included in foods and beverages. With the regulatory step complete, Remilk stated it anticipates selling its animal-free protein to companies in the US soon.

The company’s chief executive officer and co-founder, Aviv Wolff, called the course of action “a key validation” of Remilk’s non-animal dairy protein, as well as the quality and safety involved in the process.

"Regulatory approval in the US represents another major milestone for our team and great news for the dairy product manufacturers and consumers seeking non-animal real-dairy products,” Wolff said. “We are working diligently with regulators around the globe to be able to offer Remilk-made products to consumers in other countries. We strongly believe that the first regulators to adapt approval processes to alternative protein production systems will be those who benefit most from the availability of a stable, reliable supply of nutritious, affordable, sustainable foods in their countries."

Remilk describes its protein as identical to the milk protein that is produced by cows, and “indistinguishable in taste and function” when used in foods and beverages. It can be used to make animal-free dairy products, including ice cream, yogurt and cream cheese.

The Israel-based company uses a precision fermentation process to create its protein, and has developed a manufacturing process that it says requires far less resources than traditional dairy. Remilk recently announced its plans to build a large, full-scale precision fermentation facility in Denmark.