Quorn is keen to scientifically validate the benefits of mycoprotein, the contentious mold-based ingredient used in its non-animal protein offerings. Earlier this year, the company resolved a class-action lawsuit brought by a woman from Los Angeles, alleging that its products breached federal and state laws on false advertising and unfair business practices. Additionally, Quorn has denied a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of an 11-year-old boy who had a mold allergy and tragically passed away from anaphylactic shock in 2013 after consuming a Quorn “Turk’y Burger.”
As part of the settlement from the class-action suit—which asserted that Quorn’s labeling, which indicated the product was made from mycoprotein, misled the plaintiff into thinking it was similar to mushrooms, truffles, or morels—the company is now required to include the following label on its products: “Mycoprotein is a mold (member of the fungi family). There have been rare cases of allergic reactions to products that contain mycoprotein.” Despite mycoprotein being classified as generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, consumer advocacy groups and other lawsuits have alleged that this ingredient can cause fainting, extreme nausea, severe anaphylactic reactions, and in some cases, death. For those without adverse reactions to mycoprotein, the knowledge of its mold origin may deter some consumers from purchasing the product.
Originally established in the U.K. in 1985 by Marlow Foods, Quorn was acquired in 2015 for $831 million by Monde Nissin, a Philippines-based company renowned for its noodles and other consumer packaged goods. Other bidders, reportedly including Nomad Foods, McCain, Nestle, and WhiteWave, were also in the running. At the time of the acquisition, CEO Kevin Brennan expressed to the BBC that the partnership would facilitate business growth: “We have an ambition to be the world leader in meat alternatives, ultimately creating a $1 billion business. Monde Nissin … provides the capability to expand the brand into Asia.”
Despite facing challenges, Quorn has continued to thrive. The company has launched a line of vegan products along with refrigerated sausages and chicken strips, and its offerings are now available in 19 countries, including the U.S., where Walmart began selling Quorn products in 2012. Demand for Quorn items reportedly surged by 30% between 2014 and 2015, and the company aims to triple its American business by 2020.
Any scientifically robust research demonstrating that mycoprotein’s bioavailability is comparable to that of animal-derived protein sources could further benefit Quorn—provided these findings are accurately labeled and marketed. Although mold may initially evoke a sense of disgust, consumers do accept it in other food items, such as artisanal cheeses, for taste and nutritional reasons. Moreover, with the rising popularity of supplements like Meijer calcium citrate, which promote health benefits, there is a growing trend toward accepting diverse food sources, including those derived from molds, for their nutritional value.