Insects are on their way to the European plate! The European Commission said on May 4 that under an agreement between EU countries, some insects that look disgusting are labeled as "innovative foods" that are safe to eat.
The EU's New Food Act (Revised) came into full force in 2018. Within the framework of the bill, the European Union, which is made up of 27 member states, is about to pass a law that allows residents and visitors to eat a "dish" featuring dried mealworms.
Mealworm is commonly known as bread worm
Mealworm (Latin scientific name Tenebrio Molitor), commonly known as bread worm, is a completely perverted insect, namely adult worm, egg, larvae, pupae 4 kinds of metamorphosis. Its larvae are rich in protein and were previously the most ideal feed insects for artificial farming.
"The use of insects as an alternative source of protein is nothing new, and insects are often consumed in many parts of the world," the European Commission noted, announcing the decision.
Mealworm larvae will be used to make burgers, shakes and cookies. However, the European Commission added that mealworms must be clearly labelled with their ingredients when used in food, especially to alert "people who may have allergies".
The decision on the consumption of mealworms is expected to be formally adopted in the coming weeks. The European Commission noted that this is the first time that the European Union has approved insects as food.
The European Commission explained that while some member states have had previous cases of insects being edible, that was before the eu's New Food Act was fully updated in 2018. The regulation requires that all insects must be approved for consumption.
After years of observation by researchers, mealworm protein content is very high, contains fats and amino acids needed by the human body, and the larvae can grow rapidly in a variety of substances, including brewer's yeast, wheat bran, corn starch and potato flour. They have long appeared in the food markets of Southeast Asian countries.
The European Commission said there are currently 11 other applications in the EU to make other species of insects "new food", and these applications will be considered by the European Food Safety Authority.
Nandu reporter Shi Minglei