INSECTS ARE SAFE

by administrador | Apr 20, 2023 | NEWS TEBRIO

Last March, the Spanish central government gave an unequivocal endorsement to the insect industry, reminding parliament that the species approved for human and animal consumption are healthy, nutritious and as safe as other foodstuffs authorised by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA).

The executive also stressed that they do not present any associated health risks. And reiterated that they can be a valuable tool in the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly agri-food model.

There are currently four insect species approved by the European authorities for human consumption. Among them is the Tenebrio molitor, which Tebrio rears and processes into protein, fat, biofertiliser and chitosan.

In its argumentation, the Government highlighted the nutritional properties of the authorised insects and added that chitin, as a non-soluble fibre, does not pose any health risk.

Guaranteed traceability

The Spanish Government also recalled that insect-derived products and ingredients are subject to a rigorous traceability system in Europe and to strict quality and health controls.

It also said that allergic reactions caused by insect protein are well identified and therefore do not pose a greater risk than other food products, such as crustaceans or molluscs. Finally, the text concluded that, thanks to mandatory labelling within the EU, consumers have all the tools at their disposal to identify any adverse reactions that may be triggered by their consumption.