By Agroempresario.com
Meati Foods, a startup in the alternative meat sector, is under legal scrutiny following a class action lawsuit alleging false advertising. The complaint, filed in the Eastern District of California, accuses Meati Foods of misleading consumers by advertising its products as being made from ‘mushroom root,’ when in reality, they are made from Neurospora Crassa, a type of mold.
Plaintiff Serena Caldeira argues that Meati’s products do not contain mushroom roots or any part of a mushroom. Instead, she claims that the primary ingredient is Neurospora Crassa, a red mold commonly found on bread. Caldeira further asserts that Meati's internal research indicated that revealing the true nature of the ingredient would lead to lower sales and reduced prices for their products.
The lawsuit also alleges potential health risks, noting that high concentrations of mold can cause severe allergic reactions, though it lacks evidence specifically linking Neurospora Crassa to such issues. Meati Foods has yet to submit a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) notice to the FDA for Neurospora Crassa, a step often required to ensure allergenicity data is evaluated.
In contrast, The Better Meat Co, which uses Neurospora Crassa in its Rhiza mycoprotein, recently secured a ‘no questions’ letter from the FDA, affirming the safety of their product. Their GRAS notice highlighted that proteins from N. crassa pose no greater risk than those from other common fungi, citing a history of safe consumption in other countries.
This case mirrors a 2016 class action against Quorn Foods, which faced accusations of misleading consumers by suggesting its meat alternatives, made from Fusarium Venenatum, were similar to mushrooms. Quorn settled by agreeing to label its products as containing mycoprotein, with warnings about potential allergic reactions.
Caldeira contends that Meati’s deceptive practices are more egregious than those of Quorn, as Meati explicitly claims its products are made from mushrooms. She argues that accurate disclosure of the mold ingredient would significantly impact the market value of Meati’s products.
The lawsuit highlights ongoing challenges in the mycoprotein industry, where different types of fungi are used, some of which may be less familiar to consumers. Quorn’s fungus, for instance, was discovered in soil samples and does not resemble typical mushrooms.
Meati Foods, founded in 2015 by Dr. Justin Whiteley and Dr. Tyler Huggins, has recently shifted its branding to use the term “mycelium” instead of “mushroom root.” The company has begun updating its packaging and website to reflect this change, aiming for greater transparency and simplicity.
A company spokesperson commented, “We’ve been transitioning to calling Meati mycelium to enhance clarity and honesty. We believe that once consumers experience the health benefits of mycelium, they will embrace the new terminology. Mycelium offers a nutritious option for meat eaters, vegetarians, and vegans alike.”
