Snippets: DSM flags renewal of vit A production, Evonik launches plant-based feed additive, Calysta gets GRAS status for SCP

DSM has announced that it will be resuming Rovimix vitamin A production in Sisseln, Switzerland.

In November 2022, the firm announced a temporary halt to vitamin A production​​ at that site.

The challenging cost environment, spanning energy, raw materials, and process materials, was cited as the reason for the suspension at the time. The company said such price pressures continue.

Production of the product will resume ahead of the scheduled shutdown for lifetime extension work planned for the vitamin A line this summer, said DSM.

Calysta bags GRAS approval for FeedKind​

In other ingredient producer news, Calysta reports that its single cell protein (SCP) product, FeedKind, has achieved generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) has granted Calysta’s FeedKind protein GRAS status for use in the US in salmonid feeds at up to 18% of the diet. In the US FeedKind will be listed under its common name, dried fermentation biomass.

“US GRAS status was a key achievement for us. This brings the US closer in line with existing approvals in other markets throughout the world, such as the EU. This is an important first step in our path toward US GRAS status for use in pet foods to complement our existing EU and UK approvals for pet food,” said Herman Sloot, VP of commercial development, Calysta.

The ruling means aquaculture companies in the US now have access to a non-GMO protein ingredient, and one that is free from heavy metals, pesticides, and microplastics, said the company. In addition, the protein can be produced year-round using no arable land and without using any plant or animal ingredients, added the developer.

The protein product is a “perfect fit” for the trout industry and the burgeoning recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) industry for Atlantic salmon, claimed Allan LeBlanc, VP and aquaculture lead, Calysta.

GRAS status comes after the SCP pioneer switched on its first commercial-scale facility via Calysseo, its joint venture Adisseo, based in China, providing 20,000 tons of protein for the Asian aquaculture market. Calysseo has already announced its intentions to expand its production footprint in Saudi Arabia.

Evonik launches first plant-based feed additive ​

Evonik said it aims to help keep sows, laying hens and dairy cows healthy with a new plant-based product.

PhytriCare IM, which has emerged from the specialty chemical company’s collaborative effort with Dr Eckel Animal Nutrition, consists of plant extracts with a high flavonoid content, it said.

Flavonoids are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, continued the developer. The feed additive is available immediately throughout the EU. Approvals in other countries have been initiated.

A blend of carefully selected plant extracts covering a wide range of flavonoid subclasses, the new plant-based product targets a broad spectrum of inflammatory pathways to modulate, but not suppress, the inflammatory response, said the company.

Farm animals are exposed to a variety of stress factors and respond by activating the body's defense mechanisms. If the stress continues at a higher level for a longer period, it can lead to chronic inflammation. As a result, animal welfare suffers. The animal then uses an increased share of its energy and nutrients for the immune system rather than for beneficial activities, such as growth and performance - sometimes for months or years. Consequently, production efficiency decreases and the animal's ecological footprint increases, according to Evonik.

"PhytriCare IM was developed to prevent an overshooting of inflammatory reactions in sows, laying hens and dairy cows," explained Nicholas Guthier, head of EMEA region and global key accounts at Evonik’s animal nutrition line. "Female animals are particularly stressed by reproductive processes."

Gently processed and produced at Dr Eckel, the final product has a consistent quality with a minimum content of 10% flavonoids, added Evonik.