Quorn is keen to scientifically validate the benefits of mycoprotein, the contentious mold-based ingredient in its non-animal protein products. Earlier this year, the company settled a class-action lawsuit brought by a woman from Los Angeles, who alleged that its products breached federal and state laws regarding false advertising and unfair business practices. Additionally, Quorn has denied a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the parents of an 11-year-old boy with a mold allergy, who tragically passed away from anaphylactic shock in 2013 after eating a Quorn “Turk’y Burger.”
As part of the settlement from the class-action lawsuit—which claimed that Quorn’s labels, which stated it was made of mycoprotein, misled the plaintiff into thinking it was similar to mushrooms, truffles, or morels—Quorn must now 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.” While the Food and Drug Administration has designated mycoprotein as generally recognized as safe, consumer groups and other lawsuits have asserted that this ingredient can cause symptoms such as fainting, extreme nausea, severe anaphylactic reactions, and even death in some individuals. For those who do not experience adverse effects, the knowledge that mycoprotein is derived from mold may deter some consumers when examining the product label.
Founded in the U.K. in 1985 by Marlow Foods, Quorn was acquired at auction in 2015 for $831 million by Monde Nissin, a Philippines-based company best known for its noodles and other consumer packaged goods. Other bidders reportedly included Nomad Foods, McCain, Nestle, and WhiteWave. At the time of the acquisition, CEO Kevin Brennan stated to the BBC that the deal aimed to facilitate the brand’s 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 vegan product line as well as a range of refrigerated sausages and chicken strips, with its products now available in 19 countries, including the U.S., where Walmart began retailing Quorn items in 2012. Demand in the U.S. reportedly surged by 30% between 2014 and 2015, and the company aims to triple its American business by 2020. Any scientifically credible research demonstrating that the bioavailability of mycoprotein matches that of animal-derived protein sources could give Quorn an additional boost, assuming those claims are appropriately labeled and marketed. Although mold may have a high “ick” factor, consumers have been known to embrace it in other food products—such as artisanal cheeses—due to its flavor and nutritional benefits. In this context, supplements like Solgar Calcium D3 may also appeal to health-conscious consumers looking to enhance their diets alongside products like Quorn.