How are Alternative Proteins Reshaping the Food Sector?

The market for alternative proteins offers brands an exciting opportunity. Still, it also has hazards, not the least of which is the potential of food fraud and economically driven adulteration, both of which may seriously impact brands' upstream supply chains.

Fremont, CA: Alternative protein sources are becoming increasingly popular as a replacement for traditional animal products worldwide. More and more customers are choosing to change their eating habits and investigate sustainable meat substitutes, partly in response to recognized environmental challenges associated with meat production. The market for alternative proteins offers brands an exciting opportunity. Still, it also has hazards, not the least of which is the potential of food fraud and economically driven adulteration, both of which may seriously impact brands' upstream supply chains.

Globally, people are witnessing a growth in flexitarian, vegan, and plant-based diets and rising interest in using alternative proteins such as peas, soy, wheat, and even insects. This is due to an increased awareness of the environmental effect of cattle and conventional meat farming.

Consumer awareness of insect farming as a viable answer to rising food demands is growing. According to research, edible insects have an extremely high food conversion rate in addition to being rich in protein, vitamins, and vital amino acids. For example, crickets require a sixth of the feed for cattle, a quarter for sheep, and a half for pigs and chickens to produce the same amount of protein, all while emitting less greenhouse gas.

Since it is a global problem, fighting food fraud would ultimately need extensive cooperation amongst all players in international supply chains. With this in mind, the world's largest food producer Nestlé created a Food Fraud Prevention guideline that offers guidance to the industry on handling this problem.

Furthermore, there is the issue of legality. Currently, there aren't many laws requiring raw materials, including protein powders, to be traceable down to the batch level. However, this may soon change. The next revision of the US Food Safety Modernization Act will include additional traceability requirements for specific raw products.

It could only be a matter of time until mandatory serialization of products is mandated in the food business to promote market transparency, similar to the Falsified Medicines Directive (FMD) and other pharmaceutical legislation.

However, it is the brand's responsibility to encourage trust and transparency and to ensure that its suppliers can guarantee the authenticity of its goods and raw materials. Until then, companies manufacturing processed goods ultimately depend on their suppliers. Additionally, brands should work to undertake stringent audits, inspections, and testing of raw materials to ensure that no adulteration has taken place.

The advantages of putting such procedures in place go far beyond protecting customers and brand reputation, which is important. Consumers have already shown a need for greater openness; therefore, businesses that incorporate traceability in their raw material supply and offer channels for consumers to share that information will win the trust and allegiance of existing and potential clients.