The acclaimed Mediterranean diet and French cuisine have competition: the European Union’s food safety agency says it’s safe to eat worms.
The Parma-based agency published a scientific opinion Wednesday on the yellow flour worm, giving it its approval. Researchers argue that worms, whether whole or in flour, are a protein-rich snack or an ingredient for other foods.
Allergic reactions can occur, especially depending on the type of food the insects have, the scientific name is larva of Tenebrio molitor. But overall, “the committee concludes that (the new food) is safe according to the proposed uses and levels of use.”
With this, the European Union supports the intake of worms as the United Nations has already done. In 2013, the FAO advocated edible insects for being a low-fat, high-protein food for people, pets and livestock, noting that it is good for the environment and helps alleviate hunger.