EFSA deems lesser mealworm safe for food, opens door to 2023 commercialization

06 Jul 2022 --- Ÿnsect is preparing to boost its production of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) for human consumption after the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded it is safe to eat. After this opinion, the first regarding this specific insect species, the European Commission (EC) will prepare a draft to regulate the product commercialization in the EU, with final authorization expected by early 2023.

The positive opinion comes after an application by Ÿnsect from 2018 and will allow the frozen and freeze-dried formulations of the lesser mealworm or buffalo worm.

“We welcome with enthusiasm the EFSA opinion on the safety of lesser mealworms. Following last year’s positive outcomes (four authorizations and now two positive opinions on edible insects), this opinion, the first on this insect species, represents another important step toward the wider commercialization of edible insects in the EU,” Alisse Grassi, communication manager at the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed, tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

The sector is on the move, as today Lithuanian food-tech company Divaks revealed that it has captured 3 million euros (US$3.07 million) in a second-round seed funding to develop its insect-derived ingredients from the yellow mealworm. 

According to the company, the yellow worm provides a complete protein source that contains all essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The company reveals it is also targeting sports nutrition, as well as other categories such as snacks, confectionery and premium pet food.

“Yellow mealworm is an exceptional protein source, combining the nutritional quality of beef with the sustainability credentials of many plant-based alternatives,” says Kęstutis Lipnickas, co-founder and CEO of Divaks.

With the freshly-minted funds, the company will try to seek EC Novel Food authorization. 

Ÿnsect shares that athletes and senior citizens would benefit from the nutritional values of its insects.Spearheading commercial interests
With the green light by EFSA, Ÿnsect has plans to accelerate the commercialization of its products across EU markets.

“As soon as confirmation is given [by the EC], we will address the European market more broadly,” Anaïs Maury, VP communication and public affair director at Ÿnsect, tells FoodIngredientsFirst.

Maury also revealed that Ÿnsect will submit applications for other buffalo and molitor worms ingredients, as EFSA gives authorization to concrete ingredients and not for insects in general.

Athletes not bugged out
Demand for insect protein is on the rise among athletes, according to Ÿnsect. A study previously highlighted mealworms are as nutritionally beneficial as the “gold standard” dairy protein. 

Cricket protein has also been presented as a more sustainable alternative to whey protein for sports nutrition applications like muscle growth. 

According to Maury, “60% of Eastern European athletes are in demand of insect protein products due to its high nutritional quality and incredible performance.” 

Ÿnsect considers performance as the second pillar for its human food market after health; on the health pillar, they are targeting the senior nutrition market. According to the company, insect protein allows for a 60% decrease in cholesterol and is very digestible and comparable to milk protein.

Bright future ahead?
Ÿnsect admits that it is difficult to evaluate how much market share the insect market will capture and, thus, help reduce the protein gap. 

“[Insects] will allow for great advances since it allows us to address all markets,” highlights Maury.

“Insects offer both a high-quality protein alternative and a very sustainable one. They consume less water, less land and emit less CO2 than traditional breeding. Moreover, the ingredients we produce (powders, oil and natural fertilizer) allow us to address the animal, human and plant nutrition markets. 

Less conservative on its estimations is Lipnickas.Reports reveal that the insect protein market is estimated to potentially be worth up to US$8 billion by 2030. (Credit: Ÿnsect).

“Along with renewable energy and electric cars, we see it as one of the industries with the greatest potential over the coming 10 to 15 years. We’re building a vertically integrated insect protein business that can meet demand by delivering a wide array of high-quality, added-value ingredients.”

The European edible insect sector is a growing industry, according to Grassi. She affirms that the demand for high protein food for sports nutrition, dietetic food or complementary sources of protein creates further opportunities for the sector in the near future. 

“The market for edible insect-based food products is projected to grow rapidly in the next few years and is forecasted to produce about 260,000 tonnes by 2030,” she notes.

“In 2019, about nine million Europeans consumed insects and their derived products. They were primarily reached through marketing channels presently used by iFBOs. By 2030, this figure is forecasted to reach 390 million consumers,” Grassi continues.

Protein supply and demand
Ÿnsect predicts that by 2050 there will be a substantial gap, up to 60%, between the supply and demand of protein globally and underscores insect protein as a solution.

“Mealworm protein offers the best of both worlds, as nutritionally beneficial as animal protein, but with a much lower environmental impact,” says Antoine Hubert, CEO and co-founder of Ÿnsect.

“The scientific community is increasingly rallying around the idea, following a 2022 report by the University of Helsinki suggesting that a diet incorporating large amounts of insect protein offers the optimum solution to reduce environmental impact by over 80% while offering high nutritional benefits to consumers,” he notes.

Cricket protein has also been presented as a more sustainable alternative to whey protein for sports nutrition applications like muscle growth.The company’s own consumer retention numbers show that a majority of consumers (96%) who have already eaten insects would repeat; following a survey performed for US, UK, France and the Netherlands markets.

The insect buzz
Buzz around insects is gaining traction, with reports revealing that the insect protein market is estimated to potentially be worth up to US$8 billion by 2030. 

The UK has its eyes set on the alternative protein space to try to become a powerhouse in the sector, taking advantage of the opportunities brought by Brexit. The country’s alt-protein efforts include cell-based meat, insects for proteins, alongside the more obvious plant-based proteins from vegetables and legumes. 

In other insect developments, ValuSect recently issued €460,000 (US$496,600) to bolster edible insect businesses in Europe.

One year ago, migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria) were labeled as safe for human consumption in both frozen and dried formats, following approval from EFSA.

By Marc Cervera