Moolec Science gains USDA approval for first genetically modified pea

Moolec Science, a pioneer in molecular farming, has achieved USDA approval for the first genetically modified pea, engineered to produce bovine myoglobin—a protein that enhances iron content. This pea is the latest addition to Moolec’s portfolio, which also includes genetically engineered safflower and soybean, all aimed at developing more sustainable and nutritious food ingredients. The company’s approach could reshape how alternative proteins are produced, offering more efficient and environmentally friendly options for consumers.

The USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) granted the approval following a thorough Regulatory Status Review, which confirmed that Moolec's genetically engineered (GE) pea poses no greater plant pest risk compared to its non-GE counterparts. This approval allows the company to proceed with expanded field trials, seed scaling, and eventual commercialization of the pea, with a focus on using it in plant-based food products to improve their nutritional profiles.

Moolec’s innovative approach, known as molecular farming, involves genetically engineering crops to express animal proteins. In the case of the GE pea, the incorporation of bovine myoglobin into the plant enhances its iron content, making it a potential game-changer in plant-based nutrition. Traditional extraction methods for alternative proteins often lead to reduced nutritional quality, but molecular farming holds the promise of preserving both functionality and nutritional value.

"This milestone sets the stage for a significant shift in the food industry," said Amit Dhingra, Chief Science Officer at Moolec. "It represents a key moment not just for Moolec but for the broader adoption of molecular farming technology in sustainable food production. We believe this will open new opportunities for creating more nutritious and environmentally friendly food products."

Moolec’s CEO & Co-founder, Gastón Paladini, echoed this sentiment, stating, “With USDA approval for our GE pea, Moolec has now secured regulatory clearance for all of our key crops in the USA: safflower, soybean, and pea. We are proud to be the only molecular farming company with three US regulatory approvals. This milestone underscores our leadership in the landscape with tangible, science-backed results.”

One of the driving forces behind Moolec’s efforts is the growing demand for plant-based products that can meet both nutritional and environmental expectations. By embedding animal proteins directly into plants, Moolec’s GE pea offers a new solution for boosting iron levels in food, particularly in plant-based meat alternatives, where iron is a key nutrient that can be difficult to replicate from non-animal sources.

Bovine myoglobin, the protein expressed in the genetically modified pea, is typically found in animal tissues and is known for its ability to store and transport oxygen, which is closely related to iron content. By incorporating it into peas, Moolec aims to bridge the gap between plant-based and animal-based nutrition, providing a functional ingredient that could help enhance the taste and nutritional value of meat substitutes.

“We see this as a crucial step in addressing some of the challenges associated with plant-based proteins,” said Dhingra. “Consumers are increasingly looking for foods that offer the same nutritional benefits as animal-based products but with a smaller environmental footprint. Our GE pea is designed to meet those needs by offering a source of iron that is both effective and sustainable.”

The USDA-APHIS approval marks a significant step forward for Moolec, enabling the company to continue scaling its molecular farming technology. This includes further field trials and the development of a commercialization strategy that will bring the GE pea to market in the coming years. The company has already initiated discussions with food manufacturers and industry stakeholders to explore potential applications for the pea in various plant-based products.

The regulatory approval process, governed by 7 CFR part 340, is designed to ensure that genetically engineered crops do not pose a greater risk than traditional crops. In this case, APHIS determined that Moolec’s GE pea met all safety requirements, allowing it to move forward without additional regulatory hurdles. This clearance paves the way for expanded field trials and seed production, which are critical steps in scaling the product for commercial use.

Paladini emphasized the importance of this approval in advancing Moolec’s long-term strategy: "We believe molecular farming is the future of food production, and this approval brings us one step closer to making that vision a reality. We are committed to working with partners across the food industry to develop ingredients that are not only nutritious but also sustainable, and we see this GE pea as a key part of that mission."