The European Union (EU) has recently approved grain beetle larvae and house crickets as food, with applications for other insect species still pending. According to the European Commission (EC), house crickets, also known as Acheta domesticus, can now be sold as powder or dried food. The EC has also approved frozen, pasty, dried, and powdered forms of grain beetle larvae (Alphitobius diaperinus) for human consumption. Additionally, there are currently eight other applications for insect approval as food in the EU. Previously, only migratory locusts and yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) were allowed for human consumption in the EU.
The EC has emphasized that there is a labeling requirement for food products containing insects, which must include the insect species name in the ingredients list. The EC spokesperson stated that the approved insects are safe for human consumption, with the exception of potential allergens. Allergy warnings are mandatory in the EU for food products containing insects. Insects are a sustainable food source with high protein content, making them a popular ingredient in many countries. In Germany, various insect species have been sold as snacks and pasta ingredients under transitional rules. However, the European Court of Justice recently ruled that whole insects are not covered by the old rules for novel foods. Since 2018, whole insects have been considered novel foods and must undergo the appropriate approval process.
The approval of insects as food in the EU is a significant development in the food industry. Insects are a sustainable and protein-rich food source, making them an attractive alternative to traditional meat. However, the labeling requirement for insect-containing food products is crucial to ensure consumer safety and transparency. The approval process for novel foods is also essential to ensure that new food sources are safe for human consumption. As more countries consider insects as a food source, it is crucial to prioritize food safety and sustainability in the food industry.
