Protein-rich insects, which are inexpensive to produce, appear to be an important way of reducing our meat consumption!
So much so that the European Commission has just given the go-ahead for the use of cricket powder in food!
A substance soon to be used in our everyday products! We take stock.
Marketing authorization
Although these insect-based dishes have to overcome the reluctance of Western consumers, regulatory obstacles are gradually being removed!
The European Commission has granted marketing authorization for domestic cricket powder on January 3, 2023. The fourth insect-based product in two years!
Given Europeans’ repulsion to whole insects, manufacturers are aiming to introduce them in the form of flour, cookies (sweet and savoury) or even pasta!
Mandatory labelling
A reassuring fact: products containing insect powder must be labelled! It must appear in the list of ingredients on the product packaging.
This is all the more important given that this substance is a potential allergen for people sensitive to shellfish and dust mites. Such labelling is strictly regulated by European legislation.
Insects authorized for consumption in the European Union
Insects authorized for consumption in Europe are rare, and only available on request from manufacturers.
Four insects are approved for consumption in Europe:
- Dried, frozen or powdered yellow mealworm (French company Agronutris)
- Migratory locust, whole or without wings and legs, frozen, dried or powdered (Dutch company Fair Insects/Protix).
- Frozen, dried or powdered domestic cricket (Dutch company Fair Insects/Protix)
- Partially defatted domestic cricket powder (Vietnamese company Cricket One)
Get ready for insects on your plate!