Edible Insects as a New Class of Food Products
Wojciech Wiśniewski
2026-03-23
9 min. read
1 / 1
1 zdjęcie
89
The food market continuously adopts new products, as well as food groups for consumption. In recent years, the significance of edible insects, which are classified as a new class of food products, known as Novel Food, has substantially increased. Therefore, it is important to consider their nutritional value and respond to the benefits and dangers associated with their consumption, as well as contemplate whether insects should be a part of our daily diet.
Significance of new food products and legal aspects of insect consumption
A new food product, as defined in Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council, is a type of food that was not extensively used in the European Union before 15 May 1997 for human consumption, irrespective of the date of accession of the Member States to the Union. To be placed on the market, manufacturers must obtain the appropriate authorisations and be registered in the EU list. In legal terms, animal-derived products that were not extensively used in the European Union before May 1997 also fall under this definition. Currently, four species of insects are included on the list of authorised products: Tenebrio molitor in the form of frozen or dried larvae or as a powder; Locusta migratoria in the form of dried or powdered or frozen larvae; Acheta domesticus in the form of dried or powdered (including partially defatted powder) or frozen larvae; Alphitobius diaperinus in the form of paste, frozen, dried or powdered. Legal provisions for these insects regulate, among other things, the application conditions, labelling requirements, potential allergic reactions and data protection information.
You have started reading a PRO article
You can preview the first chapter. To read the complete article and unlock all content, upgrade to a PRO account.
