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12.02.2025 - Foods

EU approval of UV-treated mealworm powder as a food ingredient

With the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/89 , the European Commission has officially approved the use of UV-treated mealworm powder (Tenebrio molitor) as a novel food. The approval comes into effect on February 10, 2025, and permits the use of the powder in a variety of foods, including bread, cakes, pasta, processed potato products, cheese, as well as fruit and vegetable compotes.

Regulations for the Use of Insects in Food

The processing of insects as a food ingredient is subject to strict regulations in the European Union. Various insect species have been approved as Novel Food since 2021. The key provisions for the use of mealworm powder and other insects in foods are:

• Novel Food Approval: Insects or derived products may only be used in foods following official approval by the European Commission.
• Labeling Requirement: Insect components must be clearly declared in a product’s ingredient list. "Hidden" usage is not permissible.
• Allergen Warnings: Mealworm powder can trigger allergic reactions in individuals with allergies to crustaceans, house dust mites, or mollusks. An appropriate warning on the packaging is mandatory.
• Already Approved Insect Species: Besides the mealworm, other insect species such as the house cricket (Acheta domesticus) have been approved as food ingredients.
  Specific Requirements for UV-Treated Mealworm Powder

The UV irradiation of mealworm powder significantly increases the Vitamin D3 content. This requires additional labeling:

• Notice on Vitamin D Content: Products with significant amounts of UV-treated mealworm powder must bear the statement "contains Vitamin D produced by UV treatment".
• Nutritional Declaration: The exact Vitamin D content must be specified in the product's nutrition table.
  Required Measures for Manufacturers

With the approval of UV-treated mealworm powder, specific requirements arise for food manufacturers:

Allergen Management: The correct labeling of potential allergen risks must be ensured.
Food Fraud: The introduction of new ingredients increases the risk of adulteration. Additional analyses regarding the authenticity of the raw materials used may be required.
Product Testing: Compliance with Vitamin D labeling requirements and the composition of the final products must be ensured.

Conclusion

The approval of UV-treated mealworm powder as a novel food expands the range of alternative protein sources in the European Union. However, implementation requires careful labeling and compliance with regulatory requirements by manufacturers.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct tests to check for the presence of Tenebrio molitor in foods and allergens. We also advise you on label verification. We provide you with fast and reliable results. Contact us at Tel: 0781-96 94 7-23 or by email: dirk.lorenz@bav-institut.de.

Further Information and Sources

Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/89: Official Journal of the European Union
Information on Novel Food Approval: European Commission
Background Report on the Use of Insects in Food: BR24 (2025)