Fact check: Has EU allowed to use insects in flour?

1. Summary of the results

Yes, the EU has definitively allowed the use of insects in flour and other food products. The most recent authorization came on January 20, 2025, specifically for UV-treated powder of whole Tenebrio molitor larvae (yellow mealworm) ^[1]. This is part of a broader trend that began in 2021 ^[2], with six Novel Food authorizations for insects already in force as of Q3 2024 ^[3]. The approved insects include:

• House crickets
• Migratory locusts
• Yellow mealworm
• Lesser mealworm ^{[1] [4]}

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several important contextual points need to be considered:

• Safety and Regulation: All insect-based foods must undergo scientific assessment by EFSA to ensure food safety before market authorization ^[3]
• Implementation Details:
• These ingredients can be used in various products including bread, pasta, sauces, sports drinks, and bars ^{[5] [6]}
• The house cricket powder authorization is part of a five-year trial period under regulation 2023/5 ^[7]
• Italy has implemented additional consumer protection measures, requiring:
• Separate display areas in supermarkets
• Clear labeling of insect ingredient percentages ^[2]

Market Reality: Despite authorization, insects remain a niche market due to price and perception issues ^[2]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question oversimplifies a complex regulatory framework by:

1. Not acknowledging the temporal aspect - this has been an ongoing process since 2021, not a sudden change ^[2]

2. Not mentioning the extensive safety measures in place, including:

• Mandatory clear labeling
• Allergy warnings
• EFSA safety assessments ^{[8] [3]}

Beneficiaries of different narratives:

• Food Innovation Companies benefit from emphasizing the safety and sustainability aspects
• Traditional Food Industry might benefit from highlighting consumer hesitation
• Consumer Protection Groups benefit from emphasizing the need for strict labeling requirements, as demonstrated by Italy's additional measures ^[2]