The FDA is reaching out to developers of new plant varieties that may contain genes coding for allergenic animal proteins. Some projects are aiming to include animal proteins in a plant in order to get a protein from a vegan or non-animal source.

This new food may now contain an unexpected allergen and because even small amounts of food allergens can cause severe or even life-threatening reactions, the FDA think it is important to highlight potential risks to manufacturers and developers now, while these plant varieties are still in the early stages of development.

Whilst, the FDA is not currently aware of any foods made from these new plant varieties on the U.S. market right now. As with all food manufacturers, anyone who creates new plant varieties that contain an unexpected allergen has a duty to make sure their products are safe and legal. 

They, therefore, are encouraging anyone involved in making these new plant varieties to involve the FDA, after they have carefully thought through the steps that would be needed to meet legal requirements and keep materials from their plants separate from other plants and foods so that allergens don't get into food by accident.

Read full FDA Letter