Costa News Spain Breaking News | English News in Spain.
Friday, 21 February 20, 17:49
Mealworm flour is now available in Europe for food processing. Until recently, it was used primarily in animal feed. However, the approval of EU Regulations 2025/89 have allowed it to be used as a general-purpose food ingredient.
The insect is not the only one to be used in food. Since 2018, the European Union approved the use migratory locusts, house Crickets and dungbeetle larvae. They are part of the ‘novel food’ category, along with mealworms flour. EFSA, or the European Food Safety Authority, performs strict checks and validates the products.
OCU, a consumer organization, says: “After all these tests, it’s EFSA that sets the conditions of use, the labeling requirements and the subsequent monitoring after the marketing.”
What are the characteristics and where does it originate?
EU approved the use UV-treated powder from Tenebrio larvae. Tenebrionidae is the family of this insect. The larvae of this insect are used to make wormmeal, as the nutritional content is at its highest during the metamorphosis stage. UV treatment is used to disinfect them and increase vitamin D3 levels.
It has a high nutritional value. It contains a lot of protein (between 50-60% on average), and about 30 percent unsaturated fat. It also contains B vitamins such as B12, as well minerals such iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese. Its production is low-cost and has low environmental impact.
There are concerns, however, that people who have allergies to crustaceans may experience adverse reactions.
Is there a conspiracy on the internet?
The European Commission denied the rumours circulating in social media that claimed the European Union would force the inclusion mealworm flour to foodstuffs, without the consumers being aware. OCU confirmed that the rumour was false and clarified, that mealworm powder must be included in the ingredients of any product that uses it. On the packaging, it will be called “ultraviolet treated powder of Tenebrio Molitor (mealworm larvae).
“Nobody is going to make us eat insects or any ingredient.” “No matter how beneficial or exotic, or sustainable the flour may be, it’s a hoax to think that it will be used in products without warning,” states the OCU.
