The European Union is reportedly not planning on including insects on food labels despite protests from lawmakers.
According to the European Commission, the EU will not be requiring companies marketing insect-based foods to carry special labels distinguishing them from other products.
⚠️WARNING⚠️
— Dane (@UltraDane) March 31, 2023
All foods that have these two symbols in their ingredients –
E120 and/or E904 –
contain insects.
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“The Commission is not currently considering additional labeling requirements for foods containing insects, in view of the fact that the existing legal framework ensures that consumers are informed about the content of the food,” said commissioner for health and food safety Stella Kyriakides when asked by a member of the European Parliament.
Dutch politician and MEP Robert Roos questioned the Commission regarding labeling rules for insects used as ingredients in food items given that four different species of insects have already been approved for sale in the EU as novel foods.
“This Regulation provides the basis for the assurance of a high level of consumer protection in relation to food information and lays down the means to guarantee the right of consumers to information,” Kyriakides responded, referring to Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers.
Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm) is the first insect preparation to be authorized for sale in food supplements throughout all member states.
The Regulation requires that the name of the item be its legal name and requires pre-packaged foods to list all contents prominently on the label. Otherwise, the food must have a descriptive name or be given its usual name.
“In the case of food containing insects, the name of the insect to be indicated, as specified in the relevant authorizing Commission Implementing Regulations, is the scientific name followed by the common name in brackets,” she added. “This name must be included in the list of ingredients. In addition, a statement, in close proximity to the list of ingredients, shall indicate that this ingredient may cause allergic reactions.”
In the case of the recently approved Alphitobius diaperinus, the labeling of foods containing frozen, paste, dried, or powder forms of the insect shall indicate a statement that this ingredient may cause allergic reactions in consumers who have a history of allergies to crustaceans, and products thereof, and to dust mites.
