The world's first casein protein made without any animal inputs has been determined safe for consumption, according to New Culture. 

The animal-free dairy company has self-affirmed that its animal-free casein is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) following a recent review by an independent panel of qualified scientific and toxicology experts.

The company's self-GRAS determination means its casein can be sold, used, and consumed in the U.S. like any other food ingredient.

This GRAS status is the result of New Culture casein matching the identity and macro-nutritional profile of the cow casein it replaces and being made from a manufacturing process that is reproducible, industry-standard, and food safe. This proven manufacturing process, precision fermentation, has been used for decades to make food ingredients and pharmaceuticals cost effectively, sustainably and animal-free. New Culture intends to notify FDA of its self-GRAS determination in the near future.

New Culture's first product, mozzarella for pizzerias, melts, stretches, bubbles and browns just like conventional cheese and has the authentic mouthfeel and texture that plant-based options lack, the company stated. The company continues to scale its manufacturing capacity in preparation for the first sale of its cheese later this year, beginning at Nancy Silverton's acclaimed Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles.

"Having secured another 'world's first' for our animal-free casein is a testament to the hard working and innovative team we have at New Culture," said Inja Radman, co-founder and CSO. "Achieving GRAS status proves that animal inputs aren't needed to produce casein protein and marks an essential step on our path toward commercialization."