Mealworms in the food: EU regulation causes excitement from February 2025!

Mealworms in the food: EU regulation causes excitement from February 2025!

The European Union passed a significant new regulation on February 10, 2025, which allows the use of mealworm powder in food. This marks a turning point in the food industry, since the larvae of the Tenbrrio Molitor - generally known as the mealworm - can now be officially used as an ingredient in a variety of products. According to the Krone+, the powder is already used in products such as bread, rolls, cakes and processed potato and cheese products.

The new regulation not only brings an interesting resource source into play, but also caused excitement on social networks. Many consumers fear that they will no longer be able to buy bread, which is due to the spread of panicism. Experts describe mealworms as a "protein bomb" that is not only nutrient -rich, but also environmentally friendly. The regulation also regulates that the insect powder must be treated with UV radiation before use in order to exclude health risks. This means that public health should be protected by strict regulations, as reports news.de.

regulations and labeling requirements

It should be emphasized that from February 10, 2025, only the company Nutri’Earth may sell the flourworm powder in the EU, for a period of five years. In order to offer consumers security, there is a labeling obligation: All products containing flourworm powder must clearly indicate that allergies with allergies against crustaceans or dust mites can occur. This note must be directly related to the list of ingredients. This is intended to ensure that consumers are warned of possible allergies, but also ensures that innovative food sources are increasingly being available in the European market in order to meet the increasing need for sustainable nutrition.

The excitement around this decision shows how important it is to provide transparent information about new food components and to promote the dialogue between consumers and industry as far as the acceptance of insects as a protein source

Krone+ and reports on the new EU regulation.