CULT Food Science Corp (CSE:CULT, OTCQB:CULTF) has announced that Pearlita Foods, a venture in which it is invested, has successfully manufactured the world’s first alternative oyster prototype.
The prototype was grown to appear and taste the same as a traditional oyster from the ocean while being produced in a sustainable
and ethical manner, and CULT said it believes the alternative oyster may be critical in solving part of the world’s growing food security crisis.
"We are impressed by and proud of Pearlita’s successful production of its first cultivated oyster prototype. Pearlita’s commitment to making the world a better place and doing its part to increasing the world’s food security is encouraging as we possess the same goals,” said Lejjy Gafour, chief executive officer of CULT in a statement.
“Pearlita is taking great steps to advance the production of cultured seafood on a mass scale. We are energized by the positive contributions that their team is making to the cellular agriculture industry," he added.
READ: CULT Food Science says portfolio company Opalia achieves multiple cultured dairy milestones
Traditional oysters are known to cause foodborne illnesses and have almost completely gone extinct due to overfishing. Pearlita’s alternative oyster consists of a proprietary mushroom and seaweed base and the company’s novel flavour concoction gives the cultivated oyster a pure, delicate and authentic ocean taste and texture, CULT noted.
It said Pearlita also plans to create biodegradable oyster shells that will make shucking its cultivated oysters easier for consumers.
Global warming and heat waves are currently creating a number of problems for the food industry, and Pearlita’s innovation is critical as cultivated seafood could serve as a key solution to help reduce food shortages and food prices, CULT added.
Going forward, Pearlita plans to develop squid and scallop prototypes as well and will work on scaling up production.
CULT said that by strategically investing in Pearlita, it has increased its involvement in the future of cell-based seafood, which is aligned
with its goals to help commercialize cellular agriculture in the global food supply chain.
CULT Food Science is an innovative investment platform with an exclusive focus on cellular agriculture that is advancing the development of novel technologies to provide a sustainable, environmental, and ethical solution to the global factory farming crisis.
Contact the author at jon.hopkins@proactiveinvestors.com