Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)
The European Commission has approved the use of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae flour in a range of food products, including cheese, jams, pasta and bread, provided the insects are treated with ultraviolet light.
The decision, published under Regulation (EU) 2025/89, requires clear labeling to warn consumers, especially those allergic to shellfish, of possible allergic reactions, Polish newspaper Rzeczpospolita reported.
Economist Adam Gwiazda said the move is in line with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) long-standing support for insects as a more environmentally sustainable source of protein. In addition to mealworms, house crickets and migratory locusts are also authorized for consumption in frozen, dried or powdered form.
According to the publication, several Polish retailers already offer insect-based products such as protein bars with crickets and snacks containing mealworms.
HiProMine, a Polish company that produces insect larvae for animal feed, reports rapid growth and is expanding operations. It plans to build a new facility with a capacity of 50,000 tons to 60,000 tons of product per year.
Insect consumption is also gaining momentum outside Europe. Specifically, Singapore has approved 16 species of insects, including beetles and grasshoppers, for human consumption in 2024, provided they originate from certified farms.