Those not on the approved list have to undergo evaluation to ensure they are safe to eat
THE Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Monday (Jul 8) approved some 16 species of insects for human consumption.
The insects include various species of crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, locusts and silkworms.
The nod comes after delays in granting approval for insect-based food by SFA. In December 2022, the statutory board sought public feedback on the regulation of insects and insect products.
In April 2023, it announced that 16 species of insects would be approved for human consumption. However, approval was not granted then. At end-January, SFA said it aimed to introduce the regulatory framework in the first half of 2024.
Ahead of the approval, some restaurants and bars have started preparing a range of dishes with insects among the ingredients.
They include sustainable gastrobar Fura, which has insect-based food and drink items listed on its menu as “coming soon”. Similarly, local Chinese restaurant chain House of Seafood also said it intends to roll out 30 dishes featuring insects at its Punggol outlet once SFA gives the green light.
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Meanwhile, some overseas insect protein players have told The Business Times that they plan to enter Singapore once the framework is in place. Japanese startup Morus said it plans to bring to Singapore three silkworm-based products, including protein bars, protein powder and matcha powder.
SFA said that those planning to import or farm insects for human consumption or livestock feed must meet its guidelines. These include providing documentary proof that the products are manufactured in regulated premises with food safety controls and are not harvested from the wild.
It added that insect species not on the approved list have to undergo evaluation to ensure they are safe to consume.
Companies selling pre-packaged food containing insects will also be required to label their packaging as such. Insect products will be subjected to SFA’s inspection and surveillance, including sampling for food safety testing, said the agency. Those that are found to be non-compliant with its food safety regulations will not be allowed for sale.
