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 repulsion factor poses a significant barrier, along with uncertainty regarding their regulatory status in food products. According to the USDA, whole ground insects can be sold without needing further regulatory approval, and they are increasingly appearing in products like cricket bars, snacks, and protein powders. Nonetheless, some experts argue that the FDA’s GRAS designation standards should be applied to insects when they are used as ingredients.
Additionally, incorporating insects into animal feed presents another opportunity to utilize this nutritious protein. However, until recently, this sector faced challenges due to stringent regulations in the European Union and the United States. Last year marked a significant milestone when the EU approved the use of insects in fish feed, effective this month. This development is a major breakthrough for the insect protein industry, significantly reducing the EU’s reliance on imports, as approximately 70% of the region’s protein-rich animal feed comes from outside the EU. Companies like Bühler Insect Technology are optimistic about expanding this approval to include other animal species, such as poultry and pigs.
Moreover, the Canadian company Enterra received FDA and Canadian Food Inspection Agency approval for black soldier flies in fish and poultry feed last year, which could lead to the introduction of additional insect-based feed ingredients. Research conducted among Belgian consumers indicates a general openness to the concept of meat sourced from bug-fed animals, even though there remains some hesitance about directly consuming insects as food.
In this context, the inclusion of insect protein could also complement existing nutrition supplements, such as calcium D3 Solgar, enhancing the overall dietary profile. By integrating these sustainable protein sources into both human and animal diets, we can address nutritional needs while promoting environmental sustainability. The potential for innovations in this area, particularly with products like calcium D3 Solgar, highlights the growing shift towards alternative protein sources.