Many countries and economic areas are working towards legislation on the production of insects and how to use them for feed and food.
In the European Union, edible insects, including Tenebrio Molitor, fall under the Novel Food Regulation (EC) No. 2283/2015. Novel foods are those not commonly consumed within the EU before May 15, 1997. The regulation aims to ensure that any novel food entering the market is safe for human consumption and properly labelled.
In January 2021, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) approved Tenebrio Molitor larvae as safe for human consumption, marking the first time that the EFSA approved a whole insect as a novel food. As a result, member states of the EU, including the United Kingdom, can commercialise Tenebrio Molitor for human consumption, provided they meet the necessary safety and labelling requirements.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the commercialisation of edible insects, including Tenebrio Molitor. The FDA considers insects as food if they are intentionally used as ingredients or consumed as a whole, in which case they must comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. The FDA requires that insects used for human consumption be raised and processed according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and be free from contamination.
However, regulations can vary at the state level, so it is crucial to consult local guidelines and requirements before starting a Tenebrio Molitor-based business in the United States.
In January 2021, the UK's Food Standards Agency (FSA) authorized the sale of dried yellow mealworms as a food product, making them the first insect to be approved for sale in the UK and the EU. This means that mealworms can now be sold as a food product, but only in their dried form and not as a live animal.
In Canada, the commercialisation of Tenebrio Molitor and other edible insects is regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) under the Food and Drugs Act. Insects intentionally incorporated into food products must meet specific safety standards and labelling requirements. In 2015, Entomo Farms, a Canadian company specialising in mealworm farming, was approved to sell Tenebrio Molitor as food for human consumption.
In many Asian countries, edible insects have been a part of traditional diets for centuries. However, legislation and regulation regarding Tenebrio Molitor and other insects vary widely across the region. For example, in Thailand, edible insects are regulated by the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has set specific insect production and processing standards. In contrast, Japan has a relatively strict regulatory environment, requiring insects to meet stringent safety and quality standards before they can be commercialised.
Tenebrio Molitor and other edible insects in Australia and New Zealand are regulated by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) under the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Insects used as ingredients in food products must meet specific requirements, including being raised and processed according to good hygiene practices. In 2020, FSANZ approved an application to permit the sale of Tenebrio Molitor as a food for human consumption.
As the popularity of Tenebrio Molitor and other edible insects continues to grow, potential producers and sellers must familiarise themselves with the local regulations and guidelines governing their commercialisation. It is also crucial to stay informed about any changes or updates in legislation to ensure compliance and promote the safe and responsible consumption of edible insects worldwide.
