Meal moths are edible, nutritious, sustainable insects. EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, expresses a favorable opinion. (1)
In fact, the larvae of the flour moths in question have an average protein content of 58,4 g / 100 g, almost three times that of meat. And the content of the individual amino acids is higher than that of the various foods used for comparison (barley, fish, brewer's yeast, beef, shellfish).
The European Commission is thus preparing, on solid scientific grounds, to authorize the larvae of Tenebrio milling what new foods. Looking forward to further advice on other insects, such as crickets and silkworms. (2)
Flour moths, EFSA's opinion
Il panel scientific EFSA dedicated to nutrition, new foods and food allergies has ascertained the safety of consumption of dried mealworm larvae (dried yellow mealworm) by humans. Whether they are whole or in powder form, such as pasta or biscuit ingredients, snack and protein bars, ready meals, etc. With the sole warning of possible sensitization and allergic reactions by consumers allergic to shellfish and dust mites.
The question authorization had been proposed by a French company, the SAS EAP Group, on 13.2.18. And it took three years, well beyond the ordinary deadlines set by the regulation novel food (EU regulation 2015/2283), to obtain the opinion expected from the European Food Safety Authority. Ermolaos Ververis - coordinator of the group of experts who drafted the opinion, as well as a great scholar of entomology (3) - explains in fact that 'insects are complex organisms, and this makes the characterization of the composition of the food products derived from them problematic.' (2)
Scientific studies and industrial secrets
EFSA considered the extensive scientific literature available to evaluate the absence of toxicity profiles in mealworm larvae. And he consulted the applicant, to verify the substantial absence of chemical contamination from heavy metals and mycotoxins. The production of food of animal origin, please note, is subject to specific regulations (EC regulation 853/04, Animal Health package) aimed at ensuring complete control of pathologies and any possible chemical, physical and microbiological contamination.
The applicant however, it requested the protection of proprietary data - that is to say, a kind of trade secret required by the regulation novel food (EU regulation 2015/2283, art.26) - not only on its own thermal drying process, but also on the analysis of contaminants, analytical data on chitin levels, data on oxidative and microbiological status during storage and tests of allergenicity. (1) The recognition of an exclusive authorization is therefore announced, which appears completely unjustified, given that:
- the data based on the risk analysis should be fully accessible to the public, in the case of novel foods like in that of pesticide active substances,
- a thermal drying process, however 'innovative' and 'secret', should not justify the exclusivity on the placing on the internal market of novel foods which in themselves are safe. In the case of insects as in that of microalgae, where a similar anomaly has recently been found in case of Euglena graciles.
Flour moths, consumer traditions
Traditional consumption of flour moths, as part of the usual diet or for medicinal purposes, is widespread in several non-EU countries. Scientific literature refers to it in Asia (Thailand, China) and Latin America (Mexico). Small yellow worms are also qualified as edible insects in other countries, such as:
- Korea. Following a specific authorization for consumption by the Korean Food and Drug Administration, KFDA),
- Australia and New Zealand. Here flour moths are considered common food, neither traditional nor new (FSANZ, 2020),
- Swiss. Since 1.5.17 the larvae of Tenebrius molitor can legally be introduced on the Swiss market as food (whole, chopped or ground).
Edible insects, habits and perspectives
Previous studies on entomophagy indicate the current consumption habits of about 2000 species of edible insects by about 2 billion people, equal to 26% of the global population (now estimated at about 7,8 billion individuals). The need for ensure the food security (the second of the 17 SDGs, on the UN 2030 agenda) in fact postulates the development of sustainable protein sources. (4) Cereals and legumes, microalgae and hemp, but also insects.
The breeding of edible insects has spread rapidly since the early 2000s in various continents, including Europe (5,6). Not even - indeed, not yet - in Italy, with the exception of productions with foreign food destiny and those for animal feed use. (7) The largest survey conducted in Italy so far, with the support of our site websites, however, shows an unexpected propensity of Italian consumers towards the consumption of food with insect meal. (8)
Dario Dongo and Alessandra Mei
Footnotes
(1) EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA). (2020). Safety of dried yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larva) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. EFSA Journal, Volume 19, Issue 1. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6343, https://efsa.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6343
(2) EFSA, Edible insects and scientific evaluation of novel foods. Press release 13.1.21. https://www.efsa.europa.eu/it/news/edible-insects-science-novel-food-evaluations
(3) Kooh, P., Ververis, E., Tesson, V., Boué, G., Federighi, M. (2019). Entomophagy and Public Health: A Review of Microbiological Hazards. Health, 11, 1272-1290. doi: 10.4236 / health.2019.1110098.
(4) Dario Dongo. Microalgae and insects, the search for sustainable proteins in Horizon 2020. GIFTS (Great Italian Food Trade). 27.5.20/XNUMX/XNUMX, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/innovazione/microalghe-e-insetti-la-ricerca-di-proteine-sostenibili-in-horizon-2020
(5) Dario Dongo. Insects to eat? A reality in the making. GIFTS (Great Italian Food Trade). 28.2.17/XNUMX/XNUMX, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/nessuna-categoria/insetti-da-mangiare-una-realtà-in-divenire
(6) Dario Dongo. Insects at the table in the EU. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade). 28.2.17/XNUMX/XNUMX,
https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/idee/insetti-a-tavola-in-ue
(7) Dario Dongo. Insects, Italy nì. GIFTS (Great Italian Food Trade). 8.2.18/XNUMX/XNUMX, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/nessuna-categoria/insetti-italia-nì
(8) Dario Dongo. Food with insects, the largest survey ever conducted in Italy. GIFT (Great Italian Food Trade). 30.1.19/XNUMX/XNUMX, https://www.greatitalianfoodtrade.it/mercati/alimenti-con-insetti-il-più-ampio-sondaggio-mai-condotto-in-italia
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.
Graduated in Law from the University of Bologna, she attended the Master in Food Law at the same University. You participate in the WIISE srl benefit team by dedicating yourself to European and international research and innovation projects.
