China Approves First Mycoprotein Ingredient for Sustainable Food Revolution

China has approved its first mycoprotein ingredient made from Fusarium venenatum, marking a major step for the country's alternative protein industry. The green light was granted to Fushine Bio's flagship product, FuNext, by the National Health Commission. This approval opens new opportunities for plant-based and functional foods in one of the world's largest markets.

The decision comes as global demand for fermented mycoprotein rises, with the market valued at USD 312.5 million in 2025 and projected to grow steadily in the coming decade. FuNext is already recognised as safe in the US and is now set to enter China's food supply chain under strict national regulations. Fushine Bio's FuNext is produced through a biomass fermentation process using glucose and water as its main inputs. The company's proprietary strains of Fusarium venenatum double in mass every five hours, achieving protein yields up to 1,000 times more efficient than traditional livestock farming. This high-output method aligns with China's push for sustainable food production and greater protein independence.

The ingredient is a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids, while also being low in fat, cholesterol-free, and rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Fushine Bio offers FuNext in wet, dry, and whole-cut formats, making it adaptable for meat alternatives, functional nutrition, and next-generation food products. In the US, the company has already self-affirmed FuNext as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

China's approval establishes clear national standards for mycoprotein use, including composition limits and mandatory labelling for sensitive consumer groups. This regulatory framework supports broader applications in medical nutrition, sports supplements, and even infant formula. The move follows growing momentum in mature markets like the UK, US, Germany, and the Netherlands, where fermented mycoprotein demand is expanding at an annual rate of 8.5%.

The broader mycoprotein market, valued at USD 761.8 million in 2025, is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 6.2% through 2035. China's entry into this sector strengthens its food security strategy by diversifying protein sources and encouraging domestic innovation in future foods.

With regulatory approval now in place, Fushine Bio's FuNext can enter China's food and nutrition sectors. The ingredient's efficiency, nutritional profile, and versatility position it as a key player in the country's alternative protein market. This development also reinforces China's efforts to build a more resilient and sustainable protein supply chain.