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Insects are approved as food ingredients in the EU—but only if they are correctly labeled. For manufacturers, this entails specific obligations: from precise product naming and allergen labeling to legally compliant labeling under demanding production conditions. Our blog post explains which insect species are approved, which information is mandatory, and how companies can reliably ensure labeling compliance in line with EU regulations.
Food based on insects is on everyone’s lips, quite literally. It’s not just the thrill of eating creepy-crawlies that makes edible insects a buzzing trend. Studies have found that insect food is more climate-friendly than animal meat, because it requires less water and farmland. It is also more sustainable as insects provide 80% edible parts, which is significantly higher than the edible parts of cattle, poultry or hogs. In addition, insects are a considerable source of protein, vitamins and minerals. They have always been an important part of the diet of billions of people around the world.
And now mealworms, crickets and locusts are ready to swarm supermarkets in Europe. Innovative manufacturers are creating new versions of pasta, cereal bars, crackers and more, using insects in frozen, dried, paste and powder forms.
As the idea of eating insects by accident may bug some consumers (no pun intended), they must be clearly listed as an ingredient according to EU law. Here’s what you need to know about labeling insect foods!
While the EU allows food businesses to bring innovative food to the market, it also needs to guarantee consumer safety and proper labeling that does not mislead.
The Novel Food Regulation requires an authorisation for ‘[…] newly developed, innovative food, food produced using new technologies and production processes, as well as food which is or has been traditionally eaten outside of the EU.’ It concerns any food, which was not consumed in the EU to a significant degree before the first regulation came into force in 1997. The approval follows a stringent scientific assessment made by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
A large number of applications for approval have been submitted to the European Commission. So far, the following insects are officially approved:
It is ruled out that insects are a hidden or secret ingredient. If packaged foods contain edible insects as an ingredient, they must appear in the list of ingredients.
In addition to existing food labeling requirements in the EU, the following information must be found on the packaging of insects-based food:
A number of labels, dates and barcodes need to be applied to your primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. That is why marking systems are a necessary equipment to prepare your products for marketing, shipping and more.
Our labeling systems include a wide range of solutions for every application. If you are looking to apply pre-printed product labels on your packaged foods, a label dispenser can be the right choice. If you need custom labeling modules to fit your manufacturing processes, check out our Geset series for cylindrical products and other specific requirements.
Barcode labels and shipping labels are essential for industrial automation and efficient logistics. To apply such labels with variable data, you should check out Weber’s print-apply systems which combine label printer and applicator in one machine. With the AP 182, you will also find the perfect solution for GS1-compliant labeling on the front and side of your pallets.
Variable data and large character prints on labels and boxes can easily applied with inkjet printers. Weber’s Markoprint series is a cost-effective solution to fast and contactless marking of your products and packaging. They are extremely compact and easy to integrate into every manufacturing and logistics line. A wide variety of special inks delivers perfect coding results on almost all types of surfaces.
Labeling and coding lines are usually an integral part of manufacturing and logistics processes. That means your machines and labels can be exposed to various challenges. Make sure to consider the following tips:
