The EPA has given Daisy Lab Limited the green light to create dairy-identical proteins using genetically modified organisms in a secure facility.
Dr Chris Hill, EPA’s General Manager of Hazardous Substances and New Organisms, stated that precision fermentation could significantly reduce land use, water use, and carbon footprint.
Precision fermentation involves the controlled cultivating of genetically modified (GM) microorganisms (yeast) in bioreactors. The yeast is modified to include the gene responsible for the desired protein.
The GM yeast is cultivated in large-scale fermentation bioreactors, producing the desired proteins. After fermentation, the proteins are harvested and purified to ensure they are free of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Daisy Lab already has approval to genetically modify two types of yeast in a secure laboratory setting. The new approval will allow them to expand their work and increase production.
As part of the approval, Daisy Lab must implement controls to ensure that the genetically modified yeast remains contained at all times.
Similar projects are taking place internationally, and there is confidence that this work poses no risk to human health. The application was processed under the EPA’s rapid assessment pathway, which means the decision was provided within ten working days.
