Is Chymosin Vegan?

Chymosin is an enzyme that plays a critical role in the cheese-making process by curdling milk. It is a protease enzyme primarily found in the stomach lining of ruminant animals, such as cows, goats, and sheep. This enzyme helps young mammals digest their mother's milk by breaking down the milk protein casein. In cheese production, chymosin is used to coagulate milk, separating it into solid curds and liquid whey, which is a crucial step in forming cheese. While traditionally derived from animal sources, chymosin can also be produced through microbial fermentation using genetically modified organisms, which is a more vegan-friendly option though not universally accepted by all vegans.