No cricket flour in your food for now

The European Union has authorised the use of some insects in food. In doing so, if a product contains insects, it must be clearly stated on the label. But the chances of you coming across products containing insects right now are pretty slim. 

Reporting on the label

For human consumption, insects must always have been fully heated to prevent the transmission of pathogens. In addition, producers who incorporate insects in their food products must clearly state this on the packaging label. Also, producers should always indicate the exact type of insect. This is also important because some people may be allergic to insects, although this needs further investigation. This would mainly concern people allergic to seafood or house dust mites.

Not just Latin name

If a product contains insects, the label will not only mention the Latin name of the insect, but also the name used in the country where the product is sold. This is laid down in European regulations.

Already in supermarkets?

The chances that you will immediately come across many products containing insects are quite small. For cricket flour, for instance, permission has only just been granted. The FNLI says it is therefore to be expected that it will be some time before products possibly make their way into supermarkets. The organisation says there are currently no signals from the food sector that the use of insects in food will be widely adopted.

Voedingscentrum.nl