Our call for coordinated response to hasten UK lag on farmed insect protein approvals

The UK Edible Insect Association (UKEIA) is calling on anyone interested in the future of alternative protein in the UK to join its collective responses to the Food Standards Agency and DEFRA, to catch it up globally with the many countries that have already widely embraced insect protein as a human food, livestock feed and pet food ingredient. 

It is estimated that people in 113 countries consume at least one insect species. But when it comes to farmed insect protein, the UK is currently behind the curve. In Japan, 123 species have been approved, showing its citizens’ openness to the alternative protein source.

Singapore approved 16 species last summer, Australia, also in 2024, allowed super mealworms, house crickets and mealworm beetles onto menus, and Europe approved four species by 2023.

Now two huge opportunities to influence government regulations in the UK - on whether insects should be put on the menu for UK humans (crickets), chickens and pigs (mainly Black Soldier Fly) respectively - which could fundamentally open up opportunities for this exciting sector.

The first response from UKEIA will be to the public consultation from DEFRA: ‘Livestock feed controls review for England and Wales’. which examines the regulations around whether some species of animal could be fed with insects or other meat-based protein sources. Regulations in the UK have remained tight since the BSE outbreak in the late 1980s - early 1990s.

The second response will represent a significant step towards gaining novel food approval for crickets in particular - as UKEIA responds to questions from the Food Standards Agency with regards to an application for novel food approval submitted in December 2023.

Nick Rousseau, Managing Director of UKEIA, said: “These two coincidental actions show the willingness of the British Government to embrace insects as a sustainable and nutritious source of protein, and give us huge encouragement that the market is finally going to open up. It is vital that the sector steps forward in a coordinated manner and puts the case for these changes - and UKEIA is excellently placed to represent the interests of our wide range of members.

‘We will clearly communicate evidence for the safety and quality of farmed insect protein and demonstrate a clear commitment to high standards in insect farming to reassure consumers and the retail sector.

“In terms of animal feed - Europe went ahead and made the changes that DEFRA is currently consulting on in 2021, leaving innovative farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs lagging behind here in Britain. And for those who are currently farming crickets, using crickets in cooking or food products, or even for those who plan to in the future and want to ensure they can be sold as human food ingredients in the UK, a collective, informed, considered and timely response is essential.”

As the only trade body representing the whole farmed insect protein sector in the UK, UKEIA is inviting anyone with an interest in the sector to contact them via their website or via LinkedIn to coordinate all relevant views and opinions.

Although the DEFRA consultation closes on 1 April 2025, as a member of the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre, UKEIA is keen to keep momentum going for insect protein in the UK. This is particularly pertinent as simpler waste recycling rules around food waste being brought in at the end of this month could have an impact on the other end of the circular chain - as bugs like Black Soldier Fly can consume all kinds of pure organic waste. 

UKEIA is also holding its first major trade-led insect protein conference - Nest 1.0 - in person at the University of Nottingham on 24-25 April 2025. The farm, feed, fork and supporting sectors including waste disposal, veterinarians, health and safety, logistics and academia will all be represented as the trade body works to coordinate research and business collaborations.