Singapore Food Agency okays certain insects for human consumption

 

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has approved 16 species of insects for human consumption, including specific types of cricket, locusts, grasshoppers, mealworms, silkworms and honey bees.

“With immediate effect, the SFA will allow the import of insects and insect products belonging to species that have been assessed to be of low regulatory concern.

“These insects and insect products can be used for human consumption or as animal feed for food-producing animals,” the SFA said in the circular to traders yesterday.

The insect regulatory framework uploaded on its website the same day puts in place guidelines for insects to be approved as food in Singapore.

The framework encompasses guidelines which businesses should meet if they intend to import, farm or process insects into food for human consumption or animal feed.

The SFA said the insects on the list have a history of human consumption. Other insects not on the list would need to undergo evaluation by the agency before they can be used for human consumption.

Thorough scientific review

The guidelines are developed following a thorough scientific review taking reference from countries and regions that have allowed the consumption of certain insects as food, including the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand.

“At present, there are no international standards set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission or the World Organisation for Animal Health for the sale and consumption of insects as food or animal feed,” it said.

Locusts

Companies selling pre-packaged food, including those containing insects as an ingredient, are required to label the product packaging to indicate the true nature of the product.

Similar to other food available in the market, insect products are subjected to SFA’s inspection and surveillance, which include sampling for food safety testing.

“Food that is found to be non-compliant with SFA’s safety regulations will not be allowed for sale,” it said.

The SFA first conducted a public consultation on the regulation of insects and insect products in 2022.

- Bernama