EFSA has declared the safety of yellow worm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) as a Novel Food (for more information), and has authorized its marketing in Europe. Switzerland is a country on the European continent that is not a member of the European Union. The legislation on food made from insects differs slightly from the European legislation in force in other European countries. Since May 1, 2017 (the newsletter 2017/1: Production and processing of insects for food), three insect species are authorized in Switzerland as foodstuffs:
- Tenebrio molitor in the larval stage (mealworm),
- Acheta domesticus, adult form (house cricket),
- Locusta migratoria, adult form (migratory locust).
The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) defines the treatment to which they must be subjected before their delivery and under which conditions they can be placed on the market.
In the area of food safety, the principle is that only safe foods can be placed on the market.
A risk assessment covering the three insect species (mealworms, crickets and migratory locusts) highlighted the current state of knowledge and the points to be taken into consideration when producing insects:
- These insects must have been deep frozen and subjected to heat treatment or other suitable process sufficient to destroy vegetative sprouts and must be produced in accordance with food safety standards.
- They must be produced in accordance with standard food safety standards. As part of his activity, the person responsible for a food business establishment is required to ensure compliance with the legal requirements applicable to foodstuffs at all stages of manufacture, processing and distribution.
must indicate that the product “contains insects“. This information is intended in particular for people with allergies.
It is possible to market other species of insects for food purposes with the prior authorization of the FSVO. The applicant must submit several documents proving in particular that the insects can be eaten without danger.
Français
Focus on … Switzerland and the NF regulation on insects
EFSA has declared the safety of yellow worm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) as a Novel Food (for more information), and has authorized its marketing in Europe. Switzerland is a country on the European continent that is not a member of the European Union. The legislation on food made from insects differs slightly from the European legislation in force in other European countries. Since May 1, 2017 (the newsletter 2017/1: Production and processing of insects for food), three insect species are authorized in Switzerland as foodstuffs:
The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO) defines the treatment to which they must be subjected before their delivery and under which conditions they can be placed on the market.
In the area of food safety, the principle is that only safe foods can be placed on the market.
A risk assessment covering the three insect species (mealworms, crickets and migratory locusts) highlighted the current state of knowledge and the points to be taken into consideration when producing insects:
must indicate that the product “contains insects“. This information is intended in particular for people with allergies.
It is possible to market other species of insects for food purposes with the prior authorization of the FSVO. The applicant must submit several documents proving in particular that the insects can be eaten without danger.
Orchidali can help you in the preparation and writing of regulatory files.
Tags: