Mealworm as a Novel Food

The First Insect Approved as a Novel Food in the EU in June 2021

Food is considered novel in the EU if it was not widely consumed before May 1997. The definition includes traditional foods from other countries, new food ingredients and food from new sources such as algae, yellow mealworm and microorganisms. Novel food also includes food produced by new technologies such as nanotechnology, cell culture and UV-treatment.

All novel foods are carefully assessed before they can be sold on the European market.

EFSA’s scientists assess potential health risks such as allergens and toxicological effects before European legislators decide on marketing authorisations and labelling. They also check to ensure that if a novel food is intended to replace another food, it does not differ in a way that would be nutritionally disadvantageous for the consumer.

All novel foods are regulated to ensure they are:
- Safe for consumers
- Properly labelled so as not to mislead consumers
- Not nutritionally disadvantageous (compared to food they intend to replace in the diet).

This means if you decide to try something new, you can be sure it’s safe!

Referance: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA)