Approval in the EU: House crickets as food

House crickets and grain mold beetle larvae processed into powder may be included in food in the future. The European Union classifies the consumption as harmless – and sees opportunities for nutrition.

Insects are considered novel foods in the European Union and have to go through a long approval process. For more than a year and a half, the yellow mealworm and grasshoppers have been allowed to be processed in the EU, dried as a snack or ground as an ingredient with a maximum share of ten percent in biscuits, pasta, bread, breakfast cereals or other protein-containing products.

Now the powdered house cricket and from Thursday the larvae of the grain mold beetle will be added. If insects are used, this must be indicated on the ingredients list of the relevant products. According to Brussels, consumers can decide for themselves whether they buy these foods or not.

Allergy advice is required

The European Food Safety Agency has scientifically examined the consumption and classified it as harmless to health. However, because allergic reactions could occur in sensitive people, allergy information is mandatory.

In its “Farm-to-Fork” strategy, the EU Commission describes insects as an alternative protein source that could support the transition to a more sustainable food supply.

Lots of protein, vitamins and fiber

According to the Brussels authority, breeding insects for food has a number of advantages: fewer greenhouse gases, less water and land use, and less food waste. The UN Food and Nutrition Organization also describes insects as a healthy food – with a high content of fat, protein, vitamins, fiber and minerals.

The EU food authority is currently examining eight other applications for insect products. In Switzerland, mealworms, crickets and European locusts have been approved for consumption since 2017.