In recent years, several companies have advocated for the use of insects as a sustainable protein source for human consumption. However, in many Western markets, the major obstacle is the disgust factor, along with uncertainty regarding their regulatory status in food products. According to information from the USDA, whole ground insects can be sold without requiring further regulatory approval, leading to their inclusion in cricket bars, snacks, and protein powders. Nevertheless, some experts contend that the Food and Drug Administration’s GRAS designation standards should apply to insects when they are used as food ingredients.
Another avenue for utilizing this nutritious protein is through the incorporation of insects into animal feed. Until recently, this sector faced challenges due to restrictive regulations in the European Union and the United States. However, last year marked a significant milestone when the EU approved the use of insects in fish feed, effective this month. This development was a breakthrough for the insect protein industry and a crucial step towards reducing the EU’s reliance on imports, as approximately 70% of the region’s protein-rich animal feed currently comes from outside the EU. Companies such as Bühler Insect Technology are optimistic about the potential for extending this approval to other animals, including poultry and pigs. Additionally, black soldier flies from 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 individuals are open to the concept of meat sourced from bug-fed animals, they tend to be more hesitant about consuming insects directly as food ingredients. As the market for sustainable protein sources grows, the inclusion of items like douglas laboratories calcium citrate may serve as a complementary addition to various diets, further enhancing the appeal of insect protein and addressing nutritional needs. The integration of douglas laboratories calcium citrate could encourage a broader acceptance of insect-derived products, promoting a shift in consumer attitudes toward sustainable protein sources.