The migratory locust could well become a staple food on the plates of European consumers. The European Commission on Friday 12 November authorized the placing on the market of the migratory locust as food. It is the second insect after mealworms to be recognized by the European Union.
Over two billion human beings already eat insects regularly, in Asia or Central America.
A healthy and nutritious food
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given the green light. It must be said that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations considers these foods to be very nutritious and very healthy. They are rich in fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and fibers and minerals.
The migratory locust will therefore be Coming soon in frozen, dried or powdered version. It will be sold either as a snack or as an ingredient in a number of food products, says the European Commission press release.
Insects that were marketed as food were not covered by a European authorization.