Parabel Announces: US FDA Issues GRAS No Objection Letter For LENTEIN®, a Plant Protein Derived From Water Lentils

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Parabel USA Inc.

Aug 28, 2018, 08:01 ET

VERO BEACH, Fla., Aug. 28, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Parabel USA Inc, a producer of plant protein ingredients, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a GRAS No Objection Letter for its LENTEIN® plant protein.

The water lentil is the world’s smallest flowering plant and Parabel is the first company to extract the protein from the plant in their commercial facility in Florida, USA. LENTEIN, which is the name of the plant protein ingredient, is a green powder with 40-45% protein and 35–45% dietary fiber. With its mild and pleasant sweet taste it is easily incorporated into beverages, snacks and other foods.
The water lentil is the world’s smallest flowering plant and Parabel is the first company to extract the protein from the plant in their commercial facility in Florida, USA. LENTEIN, which is the name of the plant protein ingredient, is a green powder with 40-45% protein and 35–45% dietary fiber. With its mild and pleasant sweet taste it is easily incorporated into beverages, snacks and other foods.

LENTEIN® is derived from water lentils – Lemnaceae – and has been described as the world's most sustainable and complete food source. The protein rich and nutrient dense whole plant solves supply issues for the food industry looking for healthy and sustainable alternatives to conventional ingredients. The high yielding water lentil doubles its biomass in 24 - 36 hours and can be harvested every day.

The protein in LENTEIN® is similar to that of an animal protein which is unheard of in the plant protein category. LENTEIN® contains levels of Essential Amino Acids and BCAAs comparable to whey, higher than other plant proteins including soy, and has a PDCAAS of .93. The ingredient contains other macro and micro nutrients notably Omega 3 fatty acids, Lutein, dietary fibers and is free of food allergens.

"Getting a no objections letter goes beyond our strict compliance to industry standards and reaffirms our company's values of transparency and safety," says Anthony Tiarks, Parabel's CEO.

The FDA also noted that LENTEIN® could be considered as a color additive in future applications, which requires the company to file a petition.

"LENTEIN® imparts a vibrant green color to the application and keeps its color through different temperatures. Parabel wants to make sure that we are offering not just a highly nutritional product but also an ingredient that solves problems for our customers," he adds.

Parabel's facilities have been successfully audited against rigorous SQF standards.  SQF is a HACCP based food safety and quality management system recognized by the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI).  The GFSI is considered to be a leader in food safety advancement.  Parabel's products are also Non-GMO Project Verified, and are certified Kosher and Halal.

Parabel's existing facility produces 300 tons of LENTEIN® per year and the second farm, due to open early 2019, will produce up to 3000 additional tons when completed, to meet expanding global demand for plant protein.

"Parabel has a Global Intellectual Property portfolio of over 70 granted and pending patents, covering all aspects of production from crop growth to end products. This focus on our IP, since 2011, has been to ensure that Parabel has global protection in the multiple sectors of our business. A new food ingredient is not only unusual and valuable, but it is a highly disruptive event in the food chain for the world," Tiarks concluded.

About Parabel:

Parabel USA Inc., based in Vero Beach, Florida, is a plant protein ingredient producer. The company provides plant-based, Non-GMO ingredients and promotes social and environmental benefits through its hydroponic system and community investment.
For more information about Parabel and LENTEIN® contact Cecilia Wittbjer at [email protected] or please visit www.parabel.com and www.lentein.com

CONTACT: Cecilia Wittbjer 
Parabel USA Inc. 
Phone:  +1 (321) 405 - 9250 

SOURCE Parabel USA Inc.

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