EFSA Concludes Safety of Cricket Species Used for Food
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In a novel food safety assessment, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that a type of house cricket (Acheta domesticus) is safe under the proposed food uses and use levels.
The novel food application proposed the use of A. domesticus in frozen, dried, and powder forms for the general population.
EFSA noted the risk of contaminants in A. domesticus is dependent upon the occurrence of contaminants in the insect feed. No toxicological safety concerns have been identified, although consumption of the cricket species may trigger allergic reactions in those who are allergic to crustaceans, mites, and mollusks. Additionally, allergens in the feed may end up in foods containing A. domesticus.
Overall, the consumption of A. domesticus is not nutritionally disadvantageous, per EFSA.
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