Single Cell Protein (SCP)

Conventional farming of cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruit may not be able to keep pace with the food demands of a growing human and animal population. The shift in diets from grain towards meat only increases pressure on cereal supplies further, since it takes roughly 3–10 kg of grain to produce just 1 kg of meat through animal farming — a clear reminder of how much energy is lost as it moves up the food chain from producer to consumer. More than 25% of the human population already suffers from hunger and malnutrition, so alternative protein sources are urgently needed.

What is Single Cell Protein?

One such alternative is Single Cell Protein (SCP) — protein obtained by growing microorganisms on an industrial scale specifically as a protein source for human and animal nutrition.

• Blue-green algae such as Spirulina can be grown easily on materials like waste water from potato-processing plants (which contains starch), straw, molasses, animal manure, and even sewage. Grown this way, Spirulina yields large quantities of a food rich in protein, minerals, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins — and, as a useful side effect, this also helps reduce environmental pollution by putting waste material to use. …