Advice 14-2014 of the Scientific Committee of the Belgian Food Safety Agency and the Superior Health Council Nr. 9160 on food safety

In the search for alternative dietary protein sources, insects appear to offer great potential.  
Currently there are no specific regulations neither in Belgium, nor in Europe, on the breeding  
and marketing of insects destined for human consumption. The trade of a number of insect  
species destined for human consumption is however tolerated in Belgium. In this context, the  
Scientific Committee and the Superior Health Council are asked to give advice on the  
potential risks (hazards) associated with the consumption of these insects (entomophagy). 
Worldwide there are about 2.000 edible insects species known and, in certain regions, insects  
are already eaten for ages by humans. Nevertheless, there is only little scientific literature  
available on the food safety of insects. To guarantee the food safety of entomophagy on a  
large scale, more research on the microbial and chemical safety of insects destined for  
human consumption is needed. 
In this advisory report, the potential microbial, chemical (including allergens) and physical  
hazards specifically related to the consumption of insects are discussed. These hazards 
depend on the insect species, the cultivation conditions (feed and environment) and the  
subsequent processing, and can largely be controlled by the adequate application of the  
prevailing good hygiene and manufacturing practices during breeding and marketing of  
insects. Nevertheless, a heating step before consumption is indispensable as well as the  
mentioning of appropriate storage and preparation conditions on the label. The label should  
additionally contain a warning for a possible allergic reaction of persons allergic to seafood  
and/or dust mites.