Climate Adaptation

Bugs Head for European Menus After Mealworms Get Green Light

  • EU food safety watchdog rules that people can eat mealworms
  • Global insect farming expected to grow tenfold by 2025
The larval form of the mealworm beetle is safe for human consumption the European Union’s food watchdog said Wednesday.Photographer: Cyril Marcilhacy/Bloomberg
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

Insects just moved a step closer to European dinner plates.

Dried yellow mealworm, the larval form of the mealworm beetle, is safe for human consumption in both its whole form and as a powder additive, the European Union’s food watchdog said Wednesday, ruling on an application by French insect farmer EAP Group SAS - Micronutris, now known as Agronutris.