The European Commission approved the marketing¹ of ultraviolet-treated mealworm powder, derived² from the larvae³ of Tenebrio molitor, as a novel food within the European Union. The decision, classifies the powder as a novel food under EU regulations, allowing its incorporation⁴ into a variety of products, including bread, cheese, pasta, and jams.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducted an assessment⁵ in 2023 and concluded that the UV-treated mealworm larva powder is safe for consumption under the proposed conditions and levels of use. "The whole larvae powder of Tenebrio molitor treated with UV rays is safe under the proposed conditions and levels of use," the EFSA stated.

For at least the next five years, the French company Nutri'Earth will hold exclusive rights to market this novel food, safeguarded by industrial property protection.

The inclusion of the mealworm powder is part of the EU's initiative to introduce novel foods as alternative protein sources. Since 2021, the European Commission authorized⁶ four insects as novel foods in the EU market, considering them an "alternative source of protein." These insects include the migratory⁷ locust⁸, the house cricket, and the lesser⁹ mealworm.

Insects are seen by some experts as a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional protein sources. The production of these foods requires less land, water, and feed compared to livestock¹⁰ farming, reducing carbon dioxide emissions¹¹ and contributing to the fight against climate change.

However, the introduction of insects into the European diet has generated divided opinions. Critics express concerns over culinary traditions and the appropriateness of insects in European diets. Blic reports that opponents consider the inclusion of insects on European tables as incompatible¹² with cultural heritage and food preferences.

欧盟委员会批准在欧盟范围内销售由黄粉虫幼虫制成的经过紫外线处理的黄粉虫粉作为一种新型食品。该决定根据欧盟法规将该粉末归类为新型食品，允许将其加入面包、奶酪、意大利面、果酱等多种产品中。

2023年，欧洲食品安全局（EFSA）进行评估后得出结论，在拟议的使用条件和使用水平下，食用经过紫外线处理的黄粉虫幼虫粉是安全的。欧洲食品安全局表示："在拟议的使用条件和使用水平下，经过紫外线处理的黄粉虫全幼虫粉是安全的。"

至少在接下来的五年里，法国公司Nutri'Earth将拥有销售这种新型食品的专有权，并受到工业产权保护。

黄粉虫粉的加入是欧盟引入新型食品作为替代蛋白质来源计划的一部分。自2021年以来，欧盟委员会已授权四种昆虫作为欧盟市场上的新型食品，认为它们是"替代蛋白质来源"。这些昆虫包括 migratory locust、家蟋蟀和 lesser mealworm。

一些专家认为，昆虫是传统蛋白质来源的可持续且环保的替代品。与畜牧业相比，这些食品的生产需要更少的土地、水和饲料，减少了二氧化碳排放，有助于应对气候变化。

然而，将昆虫引入欧洲饮食引发了不同的意见。批评者对烹饪传统和昆虫在欧洲饮食中的适宜性表示担忧。据Blic报道，反对者认为将昆虫加入欧洲餐桌不符合文化遗产和食品偏好。