"While most precision fermentation products don’t involve animal products or byproducts, their bioidentical nature and the origins of the genetic codes required in production can make interpretations complex, particularly when adhering to vegan standards originally designed for plant-based products," the company stated in a news release. "Regulatory approval also demands extensive safety testing, and some companies may opt for quicker, cheaper animal studies, and preclude their products from obtaining vegan certification. This is a hot-button issue and potentially the reason most precision fermentation companies haven’t pursued official certification, despite stating they are vegan and animal-free."

Turtletree has taken a step by securing vegan certification for its bioidentical dairy protein, LF+, confirming strict adherence to the highest ethical standards, it states. 

 "With this certification, we are putting words into action and allowing that action to be validated by a third party. We want to build a food system that is sustainable and enables animals to live happier and healthier lives. As conscious consumers increasingly prioritize ethical choices, we aim to provide food and beverage brands with the unwavering confidence that our products align seamlessly with those evolving values," said Fengru Lin, CEO and Co-Founder of TurtleTree.

"We were thrilled to get TurtleTree’s product Vegan Certified because of the clear benchmark this sets for the rest of the industry. TurtleTree's dedication to ethical practices and transparency is commendable and will undoubtedly inspire other precision fermentation companies. This certification demonstrates the tangible steps companies can take to validate and communicate their values to customers, underlining a collective commitment to ethical standards," added Krissi Vandenberg, director of Vegan Action.