The European Commission has given the green light to the marketing of dung beetle (Alphitobius diaperinus) larvae after the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) added this insect species to the list of insects suitable for sale and human consumption, reports Rador with reference to 20. Minutos.

This insect becomes the fourth to be allowed for consumption by the European Union since the list began to be regulated in 2018, and is safe under the proposed conditions of use, according to the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU). Despite this, the authorities warn that it can cause allergic reactions in those who cannot tolerate shellfish.

In July 2022, EFSA issued a positive assessment for cockroach larvae. The safety of consumption of frozen and lyophilized preparations of this insect was evaluated.

They can be cooked whole or in the form of powder or flour. They can be added as an ingredient to various food products such as bars, pasta, meat analogues and bakery products.

Only in January, the dung beetle larva was allowed to be sold in the European Union. In Spain, apart from this, other permitted insects are the mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) and the house cricket (Acheta domesticus), in frozen, dried or ground form.

The latest, which was approved in the early days of 2023, can be used for products such as bread and multigrain rolls, cookies and breadsticks, cereal bars, pasta, sauces or pizza, according to data compiled by the Consumers Association – FACUA.