Insect-based ingredient cleared for EU foods

[Hol]

The European Commission has approved a new food ingredient made from dried and ground mealworm larvae, the young form of beetles. The larvae will be treated with ultraviolet (UV) light, a process similar to how sunlight helps human skin produce vitamin D.

The approval is part of the EU’s plan to introduce more sustainable protein sources and allows up to 4% of the insect-based powder in products such as bread, cheese, pasta, and jams. The regulation takes effect on February 10.

The decision follows a scientific opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which found that UV-treated mealworm powder is safe at approved levels. EFSA noted that while UV treatment enhances vitamin D3 content, it does not significantly contribute to dietary intake.

However, the agency warned that some people, including those with allergies to shellfish or dust mites, could experience reactions to mealworm proteins and suggested more research in this area.

In response, the European Commission has mandated clear labeling for foods containing mealworm powder. Packages must state “contains vitamin D produced by UV-treatment” and display the vitamin D amount in nutrition facts. The ingredient list must also clearly mention the insect-based ingredient, especially for consumers with allergies.

Insect-based ingredient cleared for EU foods

The EU has authorized up to 4% UV-treated mealworm powder in various foods, including bread and cheese

www.rt.com

Is this an effort to normalize eating bugs?

 

[Tall Timbers]

Is this an effort to normalize eating bugs?

Probably. Hopefully most Europeans pay attention and avoid purchasing products with insects in it.

 

[Hol]

Probably. Hopefully most Europeans pay attention and avoid purchasing products with insects in it.

The list on ingredients is sneaky: “contains vitamin D produced by UV-treatment”

 

[Margery]

There are a lot of people with shellfish allergies and even more with dust mite allergies. The Chitin protein in the bugs is the same as the shells on shellfish like shrimp and the hard shell of the bodies of the dust mites.

This is NOT a protein we humans were designed to eat on a regular basis. Exception might be locusts. But I think this is highly irresponsible, and it's politically driven.

 

[Cheeky200386]

There are a lot of people with shellfish allergies and even more with dust mite allergies. The Chitin protein in the bugs is the same as the shells on shellfish like shrimp and the hard shell of the bodies of the dust mites.

This is NOT a protein we humans were designed to eat on a regular basis. Exception might be locusts. But I think this is highly irresponsible, and it's politically driven.

I have a dust mite allergy too. I can’t imagine all the negative reactions that will happen I. Europe.

 

[Hol]

This is NOT a protein we humans were designed to eat on a regular basis. Exception might be locusts. But I think this is highly irresponsible, and it's politically driven.

If there’s a shortage of protein in food it would make sense to add dairy or meat products, boosting farmer’s participation and safer for most people.

These past few years has been kind of painful for some of us who are seeing how evil is unfolding. It’s many in authority who we used to trust.

Maybe their boastful words and actions as they tell us what they’re planning and how they are deceptively forcing it on us will open more eyes.

I’m praying that RFK Jr. gets confirmed and is effective countering efforts to poison us via food.

 

[mattfivefour]

It is all part of the demonic climate change agenda. Dairy and meat animals and fowl contribute to climate change, according to the left wing environmental groups. Therefore it makes sense --to them-- to get rid of dairy cattle and beef and hogs and everything else and convince us to eat bugs. After all, bugs don't contribute to climate change. I believe this is why we're seeing a sudden surge of virus scares with chicken, beef, and now dairy cattle. If they can get enough of these food critters destroyed, the resulting shortages will drive prices up to where people can't afford to eat them. The resulting drop in demand will drive the farmers out of business. And I think this is their plan. The anti-farm movement is global, not just here in the United States. I'm hoping that the Trump administration will quickly deal with this for the sake of farmers and Americans as a whole.