Safety of frozen and dried formulations from migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Food and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of frozen and dried formulations from migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The term migratory locust refers to the adult of the insect species Locusta migratoria. The NF is proposed in three formulations i) frozen without legs and wings; ii) dried without legs and wings; iii) ground with legs and wings. The main components of the NF are protein, fat and fibre (chitin) in the dried form of the NF, and water, protein, fat and fibre (chitin) in the frozen form of the NF. The Panel notes that the concentration of contaminants in the NF depends on the occurrence levels of these substances in the insect feed. The Panel notes that there are no safety concerns regarding the stability of the NF if the NF complies with the proposed specification limits during its entire shelf-life. The NF has a high protein content, although the true protein levels in the NF are overestimated when using the nitrogento-protein conversion factor of 6.25, due to the presence of non-protein nitrogen from chitin. The applicant proposed to use the NF as frozen, dried and ground in the form of snack, and as a food ingredient in a number of food products. The target population proposed by the applicant is the general population. The Panel notes that considering the composition of the NF and the proposed conditions of use, the consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. The submitted history of use and toxicity studies from literature did not raise safety concerns. The Panel considers that the consumption of the NF might trigger primary sensitisation to L. migratoria proteins and may cause allergic reactions in subjects with allergy to crustaceans, mites and molluscs. Additionally, allergens from the feed may end up in the NF. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed uses and use levels.

Acceptance of Insect-Based Food Products in Western Societies: A Systematic Review

“…In addition to this environmentally friendly conversion efficiency, insects provide nutritional benefits, including high fat, vitamin, fiber, and mineral content ( 15 – 17 ). For these reasons, the consumption of insects could contribute to solving future food insecurities.…”

“…In addition, in the EU only three detailed scientific opinions on the safety and health aspects of insects as novel foods have been issued, covering yellow mealworms, migratory locusts and house crickets ( 10 , 16 , 17 ). For example, in the case of yellow mealworms, and migratory locusts, the concentration of contaminants depends largely on their presence in the feed.…”

“…For example, in the case of yellow mealworms, and migratory locusts, the concentration of contaminants depends largely on their presence in the feed. However, according to the European Food Safety Authority's Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods, and Food Allergens, the two insect species do not cause any safety risk if the feed is produced in accordance with EU guidelines ( 16 , 17 ). Nevertheless, allergic reactions with yellow mealworms, migratory locusts, and house crickets may occur if they are consumed ( 10 , 16 , 17 ).…”

Valorisation Potential of Using Organic Side Streams as Feed for Tenebrio molitor, Acheta domesticus and Locusta migratoria

“…Although BSF is also commercially reared, this species is considered out of scope for this review as it is mainly investigated as feed in poultry, fish and swine [ 21 ]. Several dossiers for insects have been submitted, including species of mealworms, grasshoppers and house crickets, from which EFSA has released a favorable opinion for mealworms and migratory locusts in 2021 [ 22 , 23 ]. In addition to general food hygiene requirements, the productions and marketing of insects as food are regulated by the now repealed EU Novel Foods Regulation of 1997.…”

Communicating Food Risk-Benefit Assessments: Edible Insects as Red Meat Replacers

“…Recent EFSA publications give positive indications regarding the safety assessment of insect-derived products ( 26 – 28 ), such as frozen and dried formulations of whole house crickets. These scientific opinions highlighted that the feed provided to insects may impact the contaminant profile of the insect-derived food since certain insect species have the ability to bioaccumulate heavy metals and other contaminants potentially present in the feed.…”