Food based on insects is on everyone’s lips, quite literally. It’s not just the thrill of eating creepy-crawlies that makes edible insects a buzzing trend. Studies have found that insect food is more climate-friendly than animal meat, because it requires less water and farmland. It is also more sustainable as insects provide 80% edible parts, which is significantly higher than the edible parts of cattle, poultry or hogs. In addition, insects are a considerable source of protein, vitamins and minerals. They have always been an important part of the diet of billions of people around the world.
And now mealworms, crickets and locusts are ready to swarm supermarkets in Europe. Innovative manufacturers are creating new versions of pasta, cereal bars, crackers and more, using insects in frozen, dried, paste and powder forms. As the idea of eating insects by accident may bug some consumers (no pun intended), they must be clearly listed as an ingredient according to EU law. Here’s what you need to know about labeling insect foods!
Insects approved as ‘novel food’ in the EU
While the EU allows food businesses to bring innovative food to the market, it also needs to guarantee consumer safety and proper labeling that does not mislead.
The Novel Food Regulation requires an authorisation for ‘[…] newly developed, innovative food, food produced using new technologies and production processes, as well as food which is or has been traditionally eaten outside of the EU.’ It concerns any food, which was not consumed in the EU to a significant degree before the first regulation came into force in 1997. The approval follows a stringent scientific assessment made by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
A large number of applications for approval have been submitted to the European Commission. So far, the following insects are officially approved:
- Mealworm – frozen, dried or powdered larvae of the flour beetle (since May 2021)
- Migratory locust – frozen, dried or powdered. (since November 2021)
- House cricket – frozen, dried, powdered (since March 2022) and partially defatted powder (since January 2023)
- Buffalo worm – frozen, paste, dried or powdered larvae of the grain mold beetle (since January 2023)
Labeling requirements for packaged insect food
It is ruled out that insects are a hidden or secret ingredient. If packaged foods contain edible insects as an ingredient, they must appear in the list of ingredients.
In addition to existing food labeling requirements in the EU, the following information must be found on the packaging of insects-based food:
1. Designation of the novel food
Manufacturers need to list the Latin name as well as the common name to allow consumers to easily identify the ingredient. Depending on the form of use, this can look like:
“Dried/powder Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm)“
2. Allergen labeling
In close proximity to the list of ingredients, the food label shall bear a statement that this ingredient may cause allergic reactions to consumers with known allergies to crustaceans, and products thereof, and to dust mites.
3. Age notice for food supplements
Food supplements containing the novel food insects shall bear a statement that they should not be consumed by persons under 18 years of age.
Efficient ways of labeling insect food
A number of labels, dates and barcodes need to be applied to your primary, secondary and tertiary packaging. That is why marking systems are a necessary equipment to prepare your products for marketing, shipping and more.
Labeling systems to print and apply labels automatically
Our labeling systems include a wide range of solutions for every application. If you are looking to apply pre-printed product labels on your packaged foods, a label dispenser can be the right choice. If you need custom labeling modules to fit your manufacturing processes, check out our Geset series for cylindrical products and other specific requirements.
Barcode labels and shipping labels are essential for industrial automation and efficient logistics. To apply such labels with variable data, you should check out Weber’s print-apply systems which combine label printer and applicator in one machine. With the AP 182, you will also find the perfect solution for GS1-compliant labeling on the front and side of your pallets.
Industrial inkjet printers for high speed coding
Variable data and large character prints on labels and boxes can easily applied with inkjet printers. Weber’s Markoprint series is a cost-effective solution to fast and contactless marking of your products and packaging. They are extremely compact and easy to integrate into every manufacturing and logistics line. A wide variety of special inks delivers perfect coding results on almost all types of surfaces.
Harsh conditions during production, transport & storage
Labeling and coding lines are usually an integral part of manufacturing and logistics processes. That means your machines and labels can be exposed to various challenges. Make sure to consider the following tips:
- If you are processing powdery food components such as powdered insects or flour, pay attention to the IP protection of your machines. The same goes for moisture, condensation and water exposure (i.e. factory washdown).
- If you are processing frozen components such as frozen insects, your labeling equipment will likely be exposed to cold temperature. Read our blog post on labeling in refrigerated or deep-freeze environments. It is equally important to choose the right label material for refrigerated and frozen products.
- Food manufacturers are subject to strict regulations to ensure food safety. Use GMP certificated inks and label materials to assure that no chemical substances will contaminate the inner products or migrate from the packaging.
Weber Marking Systems has your back in labeling and coding
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