The European Commission approved the use of mealworms in the food industry

Very soon, frog legs breaded with milled yellow mealworms will become one of the fashionable culinary delights of European cuisine, because today the EU is the first in the world to approve the use of insect protein as an ingredient for the food industry.

After confirmation of their food safety by the European Commission, which became known on Monday, May 4, dried flour beetle larvae are allowed to be sold in all 27 countries of the economic bloc.

First of all, the regulations adopted in the EU suggest the use of protein-rich insect meal for protein fortification of baked goods, pasta and confectionery. To dispel the doubts of the most fastidious consumers, the most active supporters of the use of such ingredients refer to the historical experience of millions of inhabitants of the globe who have been eating insects for centuries. 

In addition, the industrial production of insects for protein is seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to animal husbandry. According to a recent report by members of the international research project SUSINCHAIN, they aim to grow the edible insect market to $4.6 billion by 2027.