A regulation permitting the addition of yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) powder to foods has taken effect in European Union (EU) member-states, the European Commission (EC) said.
Starting on Monday, February 10, the regulation will be in effect for five years, with the possibility of an extension.
“The Commission has authorized the sale of UV-treated powder of whole Tenebrio molitor larvae (yellow mealworm) as a novel food,” it said.
The insect powder can be added to foods like bread and rolls, cakes, pasta-based products, processed potato products, cheese and cheese products, and fruit and vegetable jams as indicated in EC documents.
“It is up to consumers to decide whether they want to eat insects or not. The use of insects as an alternative source of protein is not new and insects are regularly eaten in many parts of the world,” the EC said.
But manufacturers will have to list the insect powder as an ingredient in all of their products. The Commission added: “The draft legal act establishes labelling requirements for foodstuffs containing the Novel Food. This applies on top of already existing labelling regulations.”
