Moolec’s GLA Safflower Plants Receive USDA-APHIS Approval

The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has determined that Moolec’s GLA safflower plants do not pose a greater plant pest risk than non-genetically engineered safflower plants, according to Moolec Science SA (NASDAQ: MLEC), a Molecular Farming food ingredient company.

This significant accomplishment for Moolec verifies their suggested regulatory approach. Moreover, it completes FDA assessments and approvals for its GLA safflower oil’s food safety that have previously been attained (GLASO). Gastón Paladini, CEO and co-founder of Moolec expressed his enthusiasm about the USDA-APHIS approval, saying that it supports the notion of the safe application of molecular farming technology to enhance the nutritional profile of finished foods.

The chief technology officer and co-founder of Moolec, Martin Salinas, shared his joy and said that this accomplishment would significantly improve the effectiveness of their operations, including the sourcing of raw materials and the crushing and processing that happens afterward. Also, they won’t require permits from USDA-APHIS to bring these plants into the country, transport them across state lines, or cultivate them in the wild there. Moreover, Salinas thinks this accomplishment clears the way for its planned forthcoming regulatory evaluations.

Developers that feel a genetically modified (GE) plant is exempt from the rule may request a Regulatory Status Review (RSR). Comparing the GE plant to its non-GE counterpart, APHIS examines if it would provide a higher risk of plant pests. The GE plant is exempt from this requirement if APHIS does not establish a higher pest risk than the comparator.

Moolec’s success with their GLA safflower plants is a testament to the potential of Molecular Farming technology to improve the nutritional profile of food products. This achievement will pave the way for the company to advance its regulatory reviews and offer innovative food ingredients that are part of the economy.