Canada Embraces Animal-Free Milk
Source: The DairyNews
In a groundbreaking move, Israeli company Remilk has secured approval from Health Canada to market its animal-free 'milk' protein, signaling a potential transformation in Canada's dairy industry.
This development comes amid a global surge in demand for plant-based alternatives, impacting traditional dairy product consumption and production.
Remilk's innovative protein, produced through 'precision fermentation' using modified yeast, is a plant-based version of the β-Lactoglobulin (BLG) protein found in cow's milk. Health Canada issued a "letter of no objection" on February 5, stating that Remilk's BLG protein poses no greater risk to human health and holds similar nutritional value compared to conventional whey protein in the Canadian market.
InFood in Canada magazine described this regulatory ruling as a milestone, positioning Canada at the forefront of sustainable food solutions. The approval is seen as a catalyst for a more resilient and eco-friendly future, setting the stage for innovation in Canada's approach to food production.
Remilk's achievement follows similar 'no questions' letters granted to Perfect Day and ImaginDairy by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 and 2023, respectively. The growth of the animal-free milk industry is highlighted in a paper in the journal Nature Biotechnology, with major players like Nestle and Perfect Day securing significant investments to expand their production capacities.
Remilk, recognized as the world's largest animal-free milk producer, operates a 750,000-square-foot plant in Kalundborg, Denmark, capable of replacing the milk from 50,000 cows annually.
The traditional dairy market in Canada has faced economic challenges, with Statista reporting a decline in monthly GDP for traditional dairy products in 2023 compared to previous years. Despite this, Statistics Canada reveals an increase in total monthly milk sold by Canadian farmers, reaching the upper 700,000-litre range in 2023.
In response to the changing landscape, the Canadian government announced a $89 million investment on February 5, 2024, supporting 49 projects across the country to mitigate the impact of international trade agreements. This funding aims to enhance dairy processors' production capacity and productivity through the adoption of automated equipment and technology, addressing environmental challenges and labor shortages. Project examples include milk pasteurizers, ultrafiltration systems, and robotics for packaging systems.
Remilk's innovative protein, produced through 'precision fermentation' using modified yeast, is a plant-based version of the β-Lactoglobulin (BLG) protein found in cow's milk. Health Canada issued a "letter of no objection" on February 5, stating that Remilk's BLG protein poses no greater risk to human health and holds similar nutritional value compared to conventional whey protein in the Canadian market.
InFood in Canada magazine described this regulatory ruling as a milestone, positioning Canada at the forefront of sustainable food solutions. The approval is seen as a catalyst for a more resilient and eco-friendly future, setting the stage for innovation in Canada's approach to food production.
Remilk's achievement follows similar 'no questions' letters granted to Perfect Day and ImaginDairy by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 and 2023, respectively. The growth of the animal-free milk industry is highlighted in a paper in the journal Nature Biotechnology, with major players like Nestle and Perfect Day securing significant investments to expand their production capacities.
Remilk, recognized as the world's largest animal-free milk producer, operates a 750,000-square-foot plant in Kalundborg, Denmark, capable of replacing the milk from 50,000 cows annually.
The traditional dairy market in Canada has faced economic challenges, with Statista reporting a decline in monthly GDP for traditional dairy products in 2023 compared to previous years. Despite this, Statistics Canada reveals an increase in total monthly milk sold by Canadian farmers, reaching the upper 700,000-litre range in 2023.
In response to the changing landscape, the Canadian government announced a $89 million investment on February 5, 2024, supporting 49 projects across the country to mitigate the impact of international trade agreements. This funding aims to enhance dairy processors' production capacity and productivity through the adoption of automated equipment and technology, addressing environmental challenges and labor shortages. Project examples include milk pasteurizers, ultrafiltration systems, and robotics for packaging systems.
