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Mealworm Cake
Photo: ED OUDENAARDEN / AFP
For the first time, an insect has been approved as a food in the European Union.
The EU countries agreed to a proposal by the European Commission that the consumption of dried yellow mealworms should be allowed in the future.
This was preceded by a scientific evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
The mealworms that have now been approved are considered a new type of food and, according to the EU Commission, can be used as a snack or ingredient - for example in protein and noodle products or biscuits.
Products that were hardly consumed before May 15, 1997 are considered novel foods.
The mealworms should contribute to a more sustainable food system in the EU.
Now that the EU states have given the Commission the green light for approval, the formal decision of the Brussels authority is expected in the coming weeks.
ssu / dpa-AFX
