Crickets may now also be consumed as food or used as an ingredient within the European Union. This decision was made by the EU's food safety organization EFSA. Previously, the migratory locust and the yellow mealworm were already approved for use in the food supply.
The insect may be sold whole as food, either frozen or dried, or processed into powder. After safety assessments, the European Union found no objections to approving crickets as a food product. Safety evaluations of such foods are necessary because eating insects is still somewhat new within the EU.
In the Netherlands, several breeders operate in accordance with EU standards. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) also provides guidance in this area.
In some parts of the world, eating insects is a completely normal practice, but this is not the case in Europe. The EU executive body wishes to promote insect consumption because they can act as an alternative protein source and serve as a meat substitute.
The Nutrition Center advises that insects should be cooked, baked, stir-fried or fried before they are eaten. Additionally, legs and wings should be removed from insects such as crickets and locusts. Regarding the risk of spoilage, insects must be stored well sealed in the refrigerator. Their spoilage rate is comparable to that of meat and fish.
Furthermore, the Nutrition Center indicates that insects may not be suitable for people with shellfish or crustacean allergies. It also states that the nutritional value of insects is comparable to that of beef, chicken, pork, and fish.