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 perception of disgust poses a significant challenge, along with uncertainty regarding their legality in food products. According to information from the USDA, whole ground insects can be sold without requiring extra regulatory approval, leading to their incorporation 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 they are used as ingredients.
Another avenue for utilizing this nutritious protein is through the incorporation of insects into animal feed. Up until recently, this sector faced limitations due to stringent regulations in the European Union and the United States. Notably, last year, the EU approved the use of insects in fish feed, effective this month. This development marks a significant milestone for the insect protein industry and represents 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 optimistic about extending this approval to other livestock, such as poultry and pigs. Furthermore, black soldier flies from the Canadian firm Enterra received FDA and Canadian Food Inspection Agency approval for use in fish and poultry feed last year, which could open doors for additional insect-based feed ingredients.
Research among Belgian consumers indicates that while many individuals are hesitant to consume insects directly, they are generally open to the concept of meat derived from animals fed on insects. Additionally, incorporating insect protein into diets can offer nutritional benefits, including a notable source of calcium, with products containing up to 800 mg of calcium citrate. This highlights the potential of insect proteins not only as an alternative food source but also as a means to enhance the nutritional profile of various diets.