Myth:
„The European Union will oblige us to eat meal from worms or other insects.“
What are the facts:
It is true that some producers want to market foods that are not traditionally consumed in the EU - for example, insect-based foods. Yes, these novel foods are permitted within the EU provided that they meet very high safety standards, the press service of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria states.
On January 20, 2025 The European Commission has authorised the placing on the market of a UV-treated powder of whole yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) as a novel food. The act is actually a stage in a long procedure for the authorisation of this novel food. Member States have given the Commission the green light to allow the applicant to place the product on the European market. This is not a precedent. Authorisations have been granted before for a number of other insects, including the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) and the house cricket (Acheta domesticus).
Safety first
Before reaching European supermarkets, every novel food – including the powder approved in January – undergoes a rigorous scientific assessment process. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is responsible for analysing whether the food is safe to eat. Novel foods are only authorised if they do not pose a risk to human health.
Transparency
If a product contains insects, this must be clearly stated in the list of ingredients. European food labelling rules also require a clear indication of any allergens contained. The authorisation sets out requirements for labelling whether a novel food can cause allergies. No surprises!
Consumers decide
Once a novel food has been authorised, the decision whether to consume it or not is entirely up to us. Thanks to European rules, the label will give us the information we need to make an informed decision on whether to buy the product.
In short:
No obligation: no one will force us to eat something we don't want.
Guaranteed safety: novel foods are subject to strict safety controls.
Full transparency: we will know exactly what we are eating.
Insects as food represent a very small market niche in the EU. As an alternative source of protein, insects are the subject of scientific research.