Global Regulatory Outlook for Single-cell Proteins in Aquafeed

Despite the novelty of some microorganisms in animal feed, many single-cell protein (SCP) forms are already widely used in animal nutrition. For example, yeast and yeast derivatives have been fed to animals for more than 100 years. This long, safe history provides a strong precedent for safety and regulatory acceptance. Nevertheless, several gaps in regulatory approval for SCPs remain in aquafeed. 

The current regulatory landscape for SCPs in aquafeed

SCPs are approved for use in aquafeed under established compliance frameworks in several regions, including the United States, Canada, the European Union (EU), and the United Kingdom. Within these frameworks, commonly used SCPs, such as certain yeasts and bacteria, can be marketed as feed materials, provided they comply with existing feed laws. However, novel microorganisms, applications, or feedstocks typically require regulatory approval from the relevant regional authority before use in aquafeed.

In other regions, including Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, regulatory frameworks exist, but market access is granted on a case-by-case basis. This requires individual applications, several of which are currently under review. In recent years, promising commercial developments and regulatory approvals of specific SCP products in these regions, particularly in China and Saudi Arabia, signal growing regulatory and governmental support for these ingredients in aquafeed. 

(Table 1: Overview of regulatory pathways for SCPs in aquafeeds in major markets.)

Major certification schemes, including the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, Best Aquaculture Practices, GlobalG.A.P., and Friend of the Sea, recognise SCPs as a sustainable alternative to fishmeal.

(Table 2: Certification scheme positions on the use of SCPs in aquafeeds.)

Constrained by regional governance, feedstock rules, and GM restrictions

Near-term growth in SCP production will depend on expanding approvals in key aquaculture markets, particularly across Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific. The key regulatory constraints on adoption fall into three areas: differences in regional governance, feedstock and production restrictions, and the use of genetically modified (GM) production strains. Together, these factors determine where SCPs can be sold, which substrates can be used, and how products are tested, authorised, and labelled. 

1. Differences in regional governance. The United States, Canada, and China have authorised the use of SCP ingredients, including methanotrophic bacteria, in aquafeed for salmonids and other fish species. In the European Economic Area (EEA), novel microorganisms can be registered through the feed register, but the use of GM strains and certain feedstocks is restricted. Japan and Southeast Asian countries are still developing their regulatory frameworks, while approval pathways in Chile, Australia, and New Zealand remain case-by-case, with no public aquafeed approvals to date. As a result, SCP producers must navigate a patchwork of differing and often unclear requirements to access key markets.

   
   

2. Feedstock and production restrictions. Carbon-containing substrates such as methane and methanol are generally accepted, but regulators impose strict controls on residuals, endotoxins, and process parameters. In Europe, substrates derived from municipal or catering waste, as well as restricted animal by-products, are prohibited. These safeguards uphold high safety standards but narrow the range of permitted substrates, which can raise costs and limit the sustainability benefits of SCPs.

   
   

3. Restrictions on genetic modification. Across all regions, GM ingredients remain sensitive to both regulatory requirements and consumer perception. Products derived from GM microorganisms often require more stringent safety evaluations. GM production strains can improve yields, but their use is heavily restricted in the EEA, while the United States and Canada take a more permissive approach. SCP producers must therefore balance gains in production efficiency against the risk of limiting market access.

   
   

The path forward

SCPs offer the potential to replace meaningful volumes of fishmeal in aquafeed while delivering safety and sustainability benefits, but regulatory gaps continue to limit market access. To broaden adoption, regulators can expand approvals in key markets to cover more species and circular feedstocks. Given that the use of GM strains is unlikely to expand significantly within the EEA, SCP producers can focus on improving production efficiency to reduce costs. Over time, these steps will help SCPs gain broader acceptance across aquaculture markets while maintaining a strong safety profile compared with fishmeal.

For a deeper look at global approvals, certification frameworks, and the evolving regulatory landscape, read our 2026 State of the Industry Report on Single-Cell Proteins.