On 5 December 2021, the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) was authorised as a novel food (Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1975). For a period of 5 years, only the original applicant, the Dutch company Fair Insects BV, may place the novel food on the market.
The migratory locust is thus, after the yellow mealworm, the second insect species to be authorised as a novel Food in Europe. Frozen, dried or powdered migratory locusts may be marketed as such, as well as in the following food categories:
- Processed potato products; legumes-based dishes and pasta-based products
- Meat analogues
- Soups and concentrated soups
- Canned/jarred legumes and vegetables
- Salads
- Beer-like beverages, Alcoholic drink mixes
- Chocolate confectionery
- Nuts, oilseeds and chickpeas
- Frozen fermented milk-based products
- Sausages
The labeling must include the processing form of the locust ingredient as well as the Latin and local-language names, e.g., "powder of whole Locusta migratoria (migratory locust)". In addition, the statement that migratory locust may cause allergic reactions in people with known allergies to crustaceans, mollusks and dust mites must be included in close proximity to the list of ingredients.
Further details, such as maximum levels and specifications, can be found in the Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/1975 authorising the placing on the market of frozen, dried and powder forms of Locusta migratoria as a novel food.
