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 primary obstacle is the disgust factor, compounded by uncertainty regarding their legality in food products. According to information from the USDA, whole ground insects can be sold without additional 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 in food.
Another avenue for utilizing this nutritious protein is by incorporating insects into animal feed. However, until recently, this sector faced challenges 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, marking a significant breakthrough for the insect protein industry and a crucial step toward reducing the EU’s reliance on imports. Currently, around 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 livestock, such as poultry and pigs. Additionally, black soldier flies from the Canadian company Enterra received approval for use in fish and poultry feed from both the FDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency last year, potentially opening the door for more insect-based feed ingredients.
Interestingly, research conducted among Belgian consumers indicates that most people are not opposed to the idea of consuming meat from animals fed insects, even if they remain cautious about eating insects directly as food. This suggests a growing acceptance of insects in the food supply chain, which could eventually lead to a wider acceptance of insect protein.
As discussions about nutrition continue, questions often arise about the effects of various food components, such as “does calcium citrate make you sleepy?” While this question is separate from the insect protein discourse, it highlights the ongoing exploration of how different dietary elements can influence our well-being. The potential of insect protein could soon play a significant role in addressing protein shortages and enhancing sustainability in food systems, as companies and consumers alike become more open to innovative sources of nutrition.