Consumer advocates criticize insect foods

Whether it’s grasshoppers or mealworms, as an ingredient in pasta or a flavored snack: foods containing insects are becoming increasingly popular. Now, however, consumer protection warns.

While it may take a lot of getting used to for many people, foods containing insects are increasingly appearing on supermarket shelves. And this despite the fact that permanent approval in the European Union is still pending. For such novel foods (novel foods) there is a transitional regulation that allows them to be placed on the market for the time being . In a market check, the consumer centers have now examined what is really in food containing insects and how it is made transparent to the buyer . A total of 32 of these products from the stationary trade were checked for their nutritional values, labeling and advertising claims. We have the results!

Market check: insect-containing foods in the test

Missing information about killing germs

Based on the results of their market check, the consumer advice center has sharply criticized foods containing insects. First and foremost, they expressed safety concerns about the lack of instructions for use: foodstuffs with insects can contain pathogenic germs . So that they can be consumed without hesitation, the edible insects should either be heated or, for example, subjected to high-pressure treatment – and the end consumer must also be informed of this. So far, however, there are no legal requirements for this. With almost 60 percent of the products checked, it is not clear whether the edible insects have been treated to kill germs.

Incomplete labeling of possible allergens

The labeling of possible allergens is also incomplete. After all, the consumption of edible insects can sometimes trigger dangerous reactions in the case of allergies. Allergen labeling for products containing insects is currently not mandatory in the EU. Although a possible allergic reaction in the case of an existing shellfish and crustacean allergy was pointed out in all of the products examined , only 72 percent of the products indicated a hint for people allergic to house dust mites and just under half a hint for people allergic to mollusks .

Some of the nutritional information is incorrect

When it comes to nutritional information, some manufacturers don’t seem to take it that seriously. A total of twelve of the products checked carried a total of 20 clearly inadmissible nutritional claims. Foods that are advertised as “high in protein” sometimes do not even contain the required minimum protein content. It is also not permitted to advertise vitamins and minerals whose actual content is then not listed in the nutritional table. The consumer advice center is therefore asking manufacturers to label products containing insects in accordance with the law.

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Conclusion: Insect-containing foods in the market check

Ultimately, the consumer advice center questions the usefulness of many of the tested insect-containing foods. These often contain only a very small proportion of insects, but sometimes many sweetening ingredients or a lot of salt. The products are also very expensive. Mandatory allergen information and legally compliant labeling are also unavoidable.

Crystal Waston MD

Crystal Waston has a degree in Cross Media Production and Publishing. At vital.de she gives everyday tips and deals with topics related to women's health, sport, and nutrition.

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