Quorn is eager to scientifically validate the benefits of mycoprotein, the contentious mold-derived component in its non-animal protein offerings. Earlier this year, the company resolved a class-action lawsuit initiated 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 refuted a wrongful death claim 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—where the plaintiff argued that Quorn’s labels implying its mycoprotein content made it seem similar to mushrooms, truffles, or morels—the company is now required to include the following label on its products: “Mycoprotein is a mold (a member of the fungi family). There have been rare instances of allergic reactions to products containing mycoprotein.” While mycoprotein has received a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation from the Food and Drug Administration, various consumer groups and lawsuits have asserted that the ingredient can lead to symptoms such as fainting, severe nausea, extreme allergic reactions, and even fatalities in some individuals. For consumers who do not experience adverse effects, the fact that mycoprotein is derived from mold might deter them upon seeing it on product labels.
Originally founded in the U.K. by Marlow Foods in 1985, Quorn was acquired at auction in 2015 for $831 million by Monde Nissin, a Philippines-based company renowned for its noodles and other consumer packaged goods (CPG). Reports suggest that other bidders included Nomad Foods, McCain, Nestlé, and WhiteWave. At the time, CEO Kevin Brennan expressed to the BBC that the acquisition would bolster the company’s growth ambitions: “We aim 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. It has launched a range of vegan products as well as refrigerated sausages and chicken strips, now distributing its items in 19 countries, including the U.S., where Walmart began offering Quorn products in 2012. Reportedly, demand in the U.S. surged by 30% between 2014 and 2015, and the company aspires to triple its American market presence by 2020. Any scientifically credible research demonstrating that mycoprotein’s bioavailability is comparable to that of animal-derived protein sources could further enhance Quorn’s reputation—provided these claims are accurately labeled and marketed. Although mold might have a high “ick” factor, consumers do appreciate it in other food products, such as artisanal cheeses, for their flavor and nutritional benefits.
As a side note, for those interested in dietary supplements, Citracal without vitamin D is an option that can support calcium intake without additional vitamin D, complementing a balanced diet that includes innovative protein sources like those offered by Quorn.