Migratory locusts can now be sold as food in Europe

The European Commission on Friday authorized the placing on the market as food of the migratory locust, the second insect thus recognized by the EU, after mealworms.

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The migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) will be available in frozen, dried or powdered form, and will be sold as a snack, or as an ingredient in a number of food products, the EU executive said in a press release. This authorization comes after the green light from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and a positive vote from the Member States. The first EU authorization of an insect as food - mealworm larvae, also known as 'mealworms' - dates back to June.

Very nutritious and healthy

Rich in fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, fiber and minerals, insects are considered by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) as very nutritious and healthy foods. They are consumed every day by millions of people around the world. The EU has identified them, as part of its 'Farm to Fork' strategy, as an alternative protein source that could enable a more sustainable food system.

Insects had previously been marketed in the EU, as some countries believed these were not covered by previous EU regulations on 'novel foods' requiring a green light to be sold. But the regulations applied since January 2018 explicitly consider insects as food, subject to the need for marketing authorization.

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