Genetically Engineered Astaxanthin Disguised as ‘Natural’

Astaxanthin is an antioxidant powerhouse, but watch out for varieties made from petrochemicals and, now, GE yeast. The yeast can be labeled natural even though it's made in a lab.

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

• Willow Biosciences is working on the commercial development of astaxanthin made from GE yeast

• Despite its origins in a laboratory, Willow is intending to market the product as a natural alternative to chemically produced astaxanthin

• The production uses microorganisms to create fake GE astaxanthin in a process known as “precision fermentat…