Aquaculture for all
Our new membership plans are live. Sign up to a yearly plan until March 12th to lock in your 50% launch discount and a 2 week trial of Seashell AI.

Microbial protein wins Saudi aquafeed approval

Shrimp Feed ingredients Marine fish +7 more

Unibio's microbial single-cell protein, Uniprotein, has been officially approved for use in aquaculture for fish and crustaceans by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA). 

Protein pellets and powder.
Uniprotein in powdered and pelleted forms

© Unibio

Following a comprehensive review process that began in April 2023, the SFDA has confirmed the safety of the ingredient for use in feed for fish and shrimp, meaning it is now cleared for sale and can be tested in commercial conditions.

Uniprotein is billed as “a high-quality, sustainable protein that serves as a viable alternative to traditional protein sources such as fishmeal and soy”. 

Its amino acid profile closely mirrors that of fishmeal, and it has already been approved for use in feed for both terrestrial and aquatic animals in the European Union. Global approvals are ongoing.

According to Unibio, the protein stands out for its consistent quality – being free of pesticides and antibiotics – full traceability and non-GMO status. The product has generated strong interest from customers around the world and is currently under development for potential direct human consumption.

“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 under the Vision 2030 programme, while increasing local fish production,” said Olivier Hartz, CCO at Unibio, in a press release.