Eating small bugs could become big business but a lack of proper UK legislation is hindering growth of the industry, a food organisation has said.
Woven Network, a trade body representing the edible insect businesses, says bug-based foods have made more than £6 million ($7.8m) in revenue in the UK in the past decade.
The groups predicts the sector could reach an annual revenue of more than £112m by 2025 if regulation issues are resolved.
“Insects are a very sustainable, low impact, highly nutritious alternative source of protein to meat,” said Nick Rousseau, a director at Woven Network.
“The UK consumer should be able to choose what they want to do in terms of their source of protein. At the moment, they can’t choose insects.
“This is the barrier to innovation that we’re now facing, as a result of Brexit and novel food changes.”
Insects are high in protein, need little space and are a low-carbon source of nutrition because of their small requirements for food.
While eating bugs such crickets and mealworms are more commonplace in Asia, edible insect industries in western Europe and the US have grown in recent years.
Meanwhile, UK traders have complained of hurdles in trading, particularly in the aftermath of Brexit.
Confusion over trade laws has left businesses unsure of how to sell bugs as food and ministers are being asked to update food standards legislation to stop British traders falling behind their European Union counterparts.
A decision on the matter from the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is expected in June, which may allow domestic trade on a temporary basis.
Until then, bug-based businesses are in limbo as local food standards officials can prevent companies from selling insect produce if they believe it is not safe to eat.
Difficulties for edible insect traders began in 2018 when the EU introduced food regulations classing edible insects as a “novel food”, meaning that they had to undergo new safety checks, including in the UK.
Temporary arrangements were discussed by the bloc to allow sales of bug-based foods while permanent trading applications were lodged.
But when the UK officially left the EU in early 2020, no transition for edible insects had been agreed to, and while traders on the continent have since been given approval, UK traders have not.
Before the new EU food regulations, people were able to eat and trade insect products in the UK, and were doing so “entirely legitimately over many years”.
“We have total confidence they are safe. The FAO, the global Food and Agriculture Organisation says they’re safe, so long as your farming and product development practices do not introduce contaminants or other risks. So inherently, they’re edible,” said Mr Rousseau.
Michael Wight, head of food safety policy at the FSA, said: “We are aware that edible insects, as part of the alternative proteins market, can offer benefits, most notably for the environment.”
“We are working hard to support and advise businesses and trade bodies so that they can provide high-quality dossiers and evidence as part of their novel foods applications.”
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What is an FTO Designation?
FTO designations impose immigration restrictions on members of the organisation simply by virtue of their membership and triggers a criminal prohibition on knowingly providing material support or resources to the designated organisation as well as asset freezes.
It is a crime for a person in the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to knowingly provide “material support or resources” to or receive military-type training from or on behalf of a designated FTO.
Representatives and members of a designated FTO, if they are aliens, are inadmissible to and, in certain circumstances removable from, the United States.
Except as authorised by the Secretary of the Treasury, any US financial institution that becomes aware that it has possession of or control over funds in which an FTO or its agent has an interest must retain possession of or control over the funds and report the funds to the Treasury Department.
Source: US Department of State
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Key findings of Jenkins report
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- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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Animals
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Radios or power banks
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Laser pointers
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Glass
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Selfie sticks/ umbrellas
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Sharp objects
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
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