Presently (Q3 2022), four Novel Food authorisations have entered into force for edible insects.
2022
At the beginning of 2022, the European Commission has published the second of frozen, dried and powder yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and the first authorisation of dried, ground and frozen house cricket (Acheta domesticus) respectively on the 8th and 11th of February (following the 3rd and 4th EFSA opinions in August 2021). The authorisations entered into force respectively on the 28th of February and on the 2nd of March 2022. Read more about it in the IPIFF Press Statement.
In May 2022, the Parma-based Agency (EFSA) published the 5th opinion on edible insects, namely on the partially defatted house cricket (Acheta domesticus). The authorisation is expected soon.
On the 4th of July 2022, EFSA published the 6th opinion on edible insects, namely on the safety of frozen and freeze-dried formulations of the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus larva). A final authorisation could be expected by early 2023. Read more about it in the IPIFF Press Statement.
2021
Following the 1st EFSA opinion covering an insect species (January 2021), dried yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) has been authorised on EU level as the first insect food product and the Novel Food Regulation entered into force in June 2021 (more in the IPIFF Press Release).
Following the 2nd positive opinion (July 2021), on the 15th of November 2021, the European Commission has authorised dried and frozen migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) as Novel Food. For more information, please refer to the IPIFF Press Statement.
A list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – July 2022 version – on this subject may be accessed here. These FAQs are also covered by the IPIFF Briefing paper on novel foods (updated in 2021).