In Hungary, products containing insect proteins receive a unique label

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The minister drew attention to the fact that traditional eating habits may be in danger, as Brussels is granting permission for the sale of more and more insect species for food purposes. Based on the decision of the European Commission, there are already four types of insects that can appear in the European Union as food and food ingredients, along with house crickets. István Nagy reminded that our country, as the only member state, did not support the EU’s decision, because neither food nor protein shortages need to be feared in the Union.

The head of the ministry also touched on the fact that the Ministry of Agriculture will amend the food labeling regulation in order to provide authentic and accurate information to consumers

In this way, products containing insect proteins can be clearly distinguished and separated on store shelves. According to the stricture, the ingredients will have to be clearly visible on the packaging. These products will have to be placed separately on separate shelves in stores.

István Nagy emphasized that public opinion polls also prove that Hungarian people do not want to eat insects

According to a survey by the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih), less than 5% of consumers would like to eat food made from insects, and more than 70% of them would definitely avoid the option. According to István Nagy, thanks to the diligence and perseverance of Hungarian farmers, our country has plenty of high-quality raw materials, fresh, healthy and high-quality food, so we do not need to rely on wormwood. It is important to preserve our gastronomic traditions and not let them change our eating habits, the minister added.

AM