Unibio gains Saudi approval for microbial protein in aquaculture

SAUDI ARABIA – Unibio has secured approval from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) for its microbial single-cell protein, Uniprotein®, allowing its use in aquaculture for fish and crustaceans. 

This regulatory milestone enables Uniprotein® to enter the Saudi feed market, where it can now be tested under commercial conditions.

The approval follows a thorough review process that began in April 2023, with the SFDA confirming the ingredient’s safety for fish and shrimp feed. 

With this green light, Unibio strengthens its position in the sustainable protein market while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s push for feed and food self-sufficiency under the Vision 2030 initiative.

A sustainable alternative to fishmeal and soy

Uniprotein® is positioned as a high-quality, environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional protein sources like fishmeal and soy.

It closely mirrors the amino acid profile of fishmeal, making it a suitable replacement in aquafeeds. Unlike traditional protein sources, it is free from pesticides and antibiotics, offers full traceability, and is non-GMO.

The microbial protein has already been approved for both terrestrial and aquatic animal feed in the European Union, with ongoing efforts to expand global registrations. 

According to Unibio, Uniprotein® has attracted strong interest worldwide, with potential applications even extending to human consumption in the future.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to increasing local fish production aligns well with Unibio’s expansion strategy. 

“We are pleased to announce that Uniprotein® has been approved for aquaculture applications in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This is a significant step into KSA, a key region that is working towards feed and food self-sufficiency while increasing local fish production,” said Olivier Hartz, Unibio’s Chief Commercial Officer.

In addition to being a sustainable alternative, Uniprotein® production is highly resource-efficient compared to traditional protein sources. 

Unibio states that, unlike soy cultivation, its production process requires no arable land and significantly less water, reinforcing its sustainability credentials.

With this new approval, Unibio is poised to play a critical role in enhancing feed security in Saudi Arabia while reducing reliance on conventional protein sources. As the company continues to expand its global footprint, Uniprotein® seeks to significantly impact the future of aquaculture nutrition in Saudi Arabia.

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