The EU has approved another alternative protein source: flour beetle larva powder

By: Trademagazin Date: 2025. 01. 24. 11:55

The European Union has taken another step towards the introduction of alternative protein sources: on 20 January it authorised the marketing of powdered larvae of the UV-treated common mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). This measure is a major milestone in the rise of edible insects in the European food market, which is needed due to growing food demand and declining agricultural yields. The decision expands the European Commission’s list of “novel foods”, following the previous authorisations of migratory locusts, mealworms and house crickets, the article in the Agrisektor points out.

The authorisation process and political challenges

The authorisation process was not smooth. In the vote of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Public Safety (ENVI), right-wing groups tried to block the decision, but were unsuccessful. The committee rejected a motion by French Conservative MP Laurence Trochu to block the approval by 39 votes to 32, with 6 abstentions.

The authorisation was based on a scientific opinion published in the summer of 2023 by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which concluded that UV-treated mealworm larvae powder is safe under the proposed conditions of use. The authorisation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.

What can mealworm larvae powder be used for?

The authorised mealworm larvae powder will be used in a number of foods, including:

Breads,
Pasta,
Cheese and dairy products,
Fruit and vegetable compotes.

For the first five years of the authorisation, only the French company Nutri’Earth will be authorised to market the product, unless another company obtains a separate authorisation for this novel food.