Why We Do Not Support Insects as Food
The ANP will be campaigning against increased use of insects in food. The suggestion is that eating more insects for protein and less large animals would be good for the climate. However, it would not be good for human health. We should focus more on traditional plant proteins, rather than increasing ‘novel’ foods with no history of safe use in human diets.
Dr Chris Chlebowski explains in this short video the reasons why he advocates against bugs as a protein source.
Of 300 insect farms tested, 80% were found to have insects with parasites, and 30% of those were harmful to human health.1
The exoskeleton, primarily made of chitin, which has been shown to be allergic and inflammatory.2
As of February 2025, the incorporation of insects into food products in the UK and the European Union (EU) is subject to specific regulatory frameworks aimed at ensuring safety and compliance.
United Kingdom:
In the UK, edible insects are classified as novel foods, necessitating pre-market safety assessments and authorizations. As of January 1, 2024, only products containing the following insect species are permitted on the market, provided a valid novel food application was submitted by December 31, 2023:
- Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)
- House cricket (Acheta domesticus)
- Banded cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus)
Products containing other insect species must be removed from the market until they receive the necessary authorization.
European Union:
The EU also classifies edible insects as novel foods, requiring authorization before they can be marketed. The European Commission has approved several insect species for human consumption, including:
- Yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)
- House cricket (Acheta domesticus)
- Migratory locust (Locusta migratoria)
1. Gałęcki R, Sokół R. A parasitological evaluation of edible insects and their role in the transmission of parasitic diseases to humans and animals. PLOS ONE 2019; 14. Epub ahead of print 8 July 2019. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219303.
2. Elieh Ali Komi D, Sharma L, Dela Cruz CS. Chitin and its effects on inflammatory and immune responses. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology; 54: 213–223.
