SFA Reviews Crickets, Beetles, Other Insects for Human Consumption

While insects have been traditionally consumed by humans in some parts of Asia like Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Korea, the insect industry in Singapore is still budding. Now, however, the Singaporean government is looking into the potential of insects as food and animal feed.

In a media statement dated Oct. 16, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it keeps updated on the developments and innovations in the food industry and has received queries from companies who are interested in importing insect food products and insect food farming.

Referencing the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, and Thailand for authorising certain insects to be consumed as food, the SFA conducted a scientific review and determined that certain insect species that are historically consumed by humans can be permitted for use as food in the city-state.

According to a report by Singaporean news outlet TODAY yesterday, 16 insect species were reviewed, including different types of crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, mealworms, moths, silkworms, and honeybees, among others.

The SFA outlined requirements for companies who plan to import or farm insects for human consumption and animal feed. These are the following:

• Companies must submit proof that imported insects are cultivated in regulated areas with food safety controls. Moreover, companies must make sure that the substrate to be used for feeding insects won't be contaminated with harmful substances
• Insects that are not historically consumed by humans are considered "novel food." Companies who plan to sell such insects must submit safety assessments for the SFA, based on its regulatory framework for novel food.
• Insect products shall undergo food safety testing. Products that do not comply with the SFA's regulations will not be allowed for sale and import.

In line with this, the SFA started a public consultation on Oct. 5 to seek feedback from the food and animal feed industry regarding "import conditions and additional pre-licensing requirements for insects and insect products." The consultation will end on Dec. 4.

It added it will continuously review its regulatory approach in concordance with new scientific developments.

Asia Insect Farms Solution, Nutrition Technologies, Insect Food Technologies, INSEACT, and Insectta are just some companies based in Singapore that are focused on insect food products and insect food farming.