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Article by Andrea Centini – Journalist Fanpage.it

After the approval by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2021 , the powder of yellow insect larvae – improperly called “ flour ” – has finally received marketing authorization from the European Commission . This means that soon, in the countries of the European Union and therefore also in Italy, we will be able to find on the shelves of shops packages of flour moth powder (Tenebrio molitor), also known as mealworm.

It is a synanthropic beetle , that is, strongly adapted to environments influenced by the hand of man. A bit like the violin spider. In this specific case, this insect loves our pantries and especially those full of cereal- based products, such as breakfast flakes and flour; this is why its common name is flour moth. Its larva is considered by EFSA to be an " innovative food " (novel food) for its strong nutritional properties and now, after a long regulatory process – linked to the EU implementing regulation (2017/2470) – it has finally received the final OK. Not before a last attempt to trip it up by those who just don't want to see insects on our tables, considered inappropriate and not compatible with our culinary tradition. Although experts agree that these are valid alternative products, above all much more sustainable than others.

The European Commission's approval is still rather limited, as the only mealworm powder to receive the green light was from a French company, Nutri'Earth . Of course, if other companies come forward, Brussels will also take their proposals into consideration. The powder, not flour – the latter is derived from the grinding of seeds and dried fruit – will be marketable from the day after the twentieth following publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. The product must necessarily be treated with ultraviolet rays before being sold.

Nutritional properties of flour moth powder

Based on the ESFA safety indications, the powder can be used to prepare pasta , bread , biscuits , cakes and so on. A situation similar to that of the house cricket powder or fire cricket ( Acheta domesticus ), whose authorization was given on 24 January 2023 in the EU countries. “Cricket flour” is also included among the so-called novel foods of the EU, thanks to its significant nutritional properties . These powders are in fact rich in proteins , vitamins (such as B12), mineral salts , iron, potassium, fatty acids, fibre and phosphorus . It is no coincidence that they are foods considered a valid alternative to meat, as are beans, for that matter .

Why the EU is approving insect-based products

Among the reasons why it was decided to bring these foods to our tables, there is above all sustainability , given that they can be produced by reducing the consumption of land , water and feed necessary to obtain meat from farms, which have a significant impact on CO2 emissions and therefore on climate change . Carbon dioxide is in fact the main climate-altering gas emitted by humans and the driving force of the ongoing climate crisis . It should not be forgotten that the demand for food will grow exponentially in the coming years, therefore it is believed that there will not be enough protein foods to satisfy it. Insects are therefore considered a very valid alternative, also in light of their notable nutritional properties. Clearly no one will be forced to eat products based on insect larvae powder, which must always be highlighted on the labels. It is only an alternative option to traditional products and, as far as meat is concerned, plant-based ones are already widely available.

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