Mung bean protein becomes first novel legume protein deemed safe in EU
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved the mung bean protein ingredient used in Eat Just's egg substitute product, paving the way for the company to launch its JUST Egg plant-based alternative in Europe.
Eat Just, Inc. is a US-based company founded in 2011 that applies cutting-edge science and technology to develop and market plant-based alternatives for foods that ordinarily use chicken eggs, such as scrambled egg and mayonnaise.
By participating in the European Union’s novel food process and passing the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens safety assessment, Eat Just’s mung bean protein has become the first novel legume protein to be deemed safe to enter European markets.
Following a review by the European Commission, the JUST Egg product is set to be launched in Europe in 2022.
EFSA said that they are receiving a 'growing number' of applications for sustainable protein alternatives. Nielsen data shows European retail sales of plant-based foods reached €3.6 billion in 2020 – 28 percent higher than 2019 and 49 percent higher than 2018.
The European Commission’s Farm to Fork strategy also calls for a more sustainable food system with a neutral or positive environmental impact.
Bringing JUST Egg to Europe, and to millions of consumers who are choosing a healthier, more sustainable approach to eating, will be one of the most important milestones for our company.Josh Tetrick, co-founder and CEO of Eat Just
