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 remains the disgust factor, along with uncertainty regarding their legality in food products. According to information from the USDA, whole ground insects can be sold without requiring additional regulatory approval, leading to their incorporation into cricket bars, snacks, and protein powders. Nevertheless, some experts contend that the Food and Drug Administration’s GRAS designation standards should be applied to insects if they are included as an ingredient.
Another avenue for utilizing this nutritious protein is by incorporating insects into animal feed. Until recently, this sector faced significant challenges due to restrictive legislation in the European Union and the United States. However, last year marked a significant breakthrough for the insect protein industry when the EU approved the use of insects in fish feed, effective this month. This decision 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 the potential expansion of this approval to include other animals such as poultry and pigs. Additionally, black soldier flies from the Canadian firm Enterra received approval for use in fish and poultry feed from both the FDA and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency last year, potentially paving the way for further insect-based feed ingredients.
Research among Belgian consumers indicates that while most people are open to the concept of bug-fed meat, they tend to be more cautious when it comes to consuming insects as a food ingredient. Given the nutritional advantages, including a viable calcium citrate route of administration, the incorporation of insects into our diets and animal feed could represent a significant step forward in sustainable protein sourcing. As acceptance grows and regulatory barriers diminish, the insect protein sector may well flourish, contributing to a more sustainable future.