This is the second authorization by the European Union of an insect as a food after the verse of flour in June. Insects have been identified as a source of alternative protein that can allow a more sustainable food system.
Le Monde with AFP
After the worm of flour, the migratory locust is spurking a path to the plate of European consumers. The European Commission has authorized, Friday, November 12, the marketing as a Locusta Migratoria, second insect thus recognized by the European Union (EU).
It will be available in frozen, dried or powdered version, and will be sold as snack or ingredient of a number of food products, specifies the European executive in a statement.
This authorization comes after the green light of the European Food Safety Authority ( EFSA ), and a positive vote from the Member States. The first authorization by the EU of an insect as food – the larvae of the Ténibrion Meunier, also called “to flour” – dates back to June.
Rich in fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, fibers and minerals, insects are considered by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization as very nutritious and healthy foods.
A more sustainable food system
They are consumed every day by millions of people around the world. The EU has identified them, as part of its “Farm for fork” strategy, such as a source of alternative protein that can allow a more sustainable food system.
Insects had already been marketed in the EU, as some countries felt that they were not covered by the previous European regulation on “new foods” requiring a green light to be sold.
But the regulations applied since January 2018 explicitly considers insects as food, subject to the need for a marketing authorization. A third insect, the domestic grillon, could follow soon.