Flourworm powder in food: Vorarlberger worry about your diet!

Flourworm powder in food: Vorarlberger worry about your diet!

Bregenz, Österreich - On February 10, 2025, the European Union made a controversial decision: certain foods may now contain mealworm powder. This powder, which is obtained from the larvae of the flour beetle, can be processed in products such as bread, cheese and pasta. A prerequisite is a clear labeling on the packaging and an allergy warning. This innovation leads to a wide variety of reactions in Vorarlberg, such as Vol.at reports . Many consumers are skeptical or reject the idea. Daniel Falkner from Bregenz clearly says: "If there is a flour worm in there, I don't buy it."

reactions from the population

Some see the ban on mealworms in food or consider them an exaggeration or consider them as a sustainable source of protein. Kathi Bayer is surprised, but not shocked: "There are other products with insects - that has been allowed for a long time," she says. But critical voices are also represented. Gerhard Grosssteiger cannot imagine consuming mealworm powder: "In the past you have called a chamber hunter, now it will be officially. For me, that's nothing." Others, such as an anonymous survey participant, demand more clarity in labeling: "As long as it is clearly marked, I think it's fine."

underestimated risks? As weather.com , the fear of hidden insect components is unfounded: All ingredients and allergens are clear in the EU. The sale of mealworms has been allowed since 2021, and the strict EU regulations should ensure that consumers can make informed decisions. This means that consumers have the right to know what is in their foods and they can choose between products with and without mealworm.