House crickets approved for human consumption

After yellow mealworms and grasshoppers, the European Commission has also given the green light for the consumption of house crickets. Insects are nutritious and sustainable. 

Food transition

The addition of house crickets to the list of safe insects for human consumption is no surprise. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) had already given a favourable assessment. Now the decision is official: from now on, house crickets may be sold and eaten whole, frozen or dried, or as a powder, reports Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws.

Insects are not yet frequently found on menus in Europe, but they could play an important role in the transition to a more sustainable food system. Compared to industrial livestock farming, the ecological impact of growing insects is many times lower. Moreover, insects are very nutritious. Therefore, the EU sees them as one of the potential alternatives to traditional meat.

In July last year, the EU officially approved the consumption of dried yellow mealworms. In November, grasshoppers were added to the list, and now, house crickets have been approved. There are currently nine more applications for insects pending at EFSA.

Those who want to know more about the latest developments and trends within the food industry should take a look at “The Future of Food“, the book by RetailDetail founder Jorg Snoeck and editor-in-chief Stefan Van Rompaey.