In recent years, numerous companies have advocated for the use of insects as a sustainable protein source for human consumption. However, in many Western markets, the challenge of consumer disgust remains significant, along with uncertainty regarding their regulatory status in food products. According to the USDA, whole ground insects can be sold without requiring further regulatory approval, and they are increasingly appearing in cricket bars, snacks, and protein powders. Nonetheless, some experts argue that the Food and Drug Administration’s GRAS designation standards should be applied to insects when used as ingredients.
Another avenue for utilizing this nutritious protein is by incorporating insects into animal feed. However, until recently, this sector faced obstacles due to restrictive legislation in the European Union and the United States. Last year, the EU approved the use of insects in fish feed, effective this month. This decision marked a significant breakthrough for the insect protein industry and a crucial step toward reducing the EU’s reliance on imports, as approximately 70% of the region’s protein-rich animal feed is sourced from outside the EU. Companies like Bühler Insect Technology are hopeful for an extension of this approval to include other animals, such as poultry and pigs.
Additionally, black soldier flies from the Canadian company Enterra received FDA and Canadian Food Inspection Agency approval for use in fish and poultry feed last year, potentially opening the door for more insect-based feed ingredients. Research among Belgian consumers indicates that while many are open to the concept of meat from animals fed insects, they tend to be more hesitant about consuming insects directly as food.
Interestingly, some studies have suggested that certain insect proteins, like those derived from black soldier flies, can be complemented with calcium citrate, which is the same as calcium, to enhance nutritional value. This could further support the argument for integrating insects into both human diets and animal feed, as it provides an additional source of essential nutrients.