Fermenta Biotech Ltd said it has received approval from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for the use of its plant-based Vitamin D3 ingredient, VITADEE Green, in health supplements, nutraceuticals and food products, opening up the domestic market for the product.

The approval enables Indian food and supplement makers to use VITADEE Green in fortified foods, beverages, dietary supplements and nutraceutical products, the company said.

Unlike conventional Vitamin D3, which is typically sourced from sheep's wool lanolin, the Thane-based company's VITADEE Green is a plant-based version of the nutrient, giving vegetarian consumers and food manufacturers an animal-free alternative. Vitamin D3 has been linked to urban lifestyles, indoor living and limited sun exposure.

Shares of Fermenta rose 14.21 percent to close at Rs 395 per share on BSE on Monday.

Managing Director Prashant Nagre said the company was among the first Indian firms to develop and patent a process for producing plant-source Vitamin D3, describing the product as a sustainable, scalable and affordable option for food fortification and nutrition products.

The company added that VITADEE Green is developed and manufactured in India and supports the government's push for self-reliance in nutrition solutions under the Make in India initiative.

Fermenta manufactures nutritional ingredients, vitamins and premixes, serving more than 400 customers across 60 countries.