Disgraceful EU decision outrages citizens

House crickets approved in baked goods

At the start of the new year 2023, the EU granted approval to mix insects (house crickets) into baked goods, pasta and other semi-finished products «for the general population». The authorisation takes effect on 24 January 2023.

The search for alternative protein sources is in full swing worldwide. Climate change will transform our diet. Meat consumption is considered one of the main causes of global warming: livestock farming produces more greenhouse gases than worldwide transport. Brussels therefore also wants to promote the consumption of protein-rich insects.

According to a report by the European Food Safety Authority, the insect «poses no risk to human health». Although too few published findings exist regarding allergies and possible anaphylactic reactions, the European Commission takes the view that no specific labelling requirements concerning possible allergic reactions need to be recorded.

Affected products

The following products may soon be on sale containing added house crickets (Acheta domesticus): multigrain bread and rolls, crackers and breadsticks, cereal bars, dry pre-mixes for baked goods, biscuits, dry pasta products, sauces, processed potato products, dishes based on legumes and vegetables, pizza, pasta-based products, meat analogues (vegetarian meat alternatives), soups, corn flour-based snacks, beer-like beverages, chocolate products and meat preparations.

Italy resists

The home of pizza and spaghetti is now launching a European campaign against crickets on the plate. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Italy is championing food sovereignty and is fiercely opposed to the concept of insects as a protein source of the future.

«Snacks with crickets? No thank you!», railed Lega leader and Vice Premier Matteo Salvini. «The great majority of Italians would never bring insects to the table, as they are considered a foreign element in the national food culture», commented the Italian agricultural association Coldiretti.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose compassion on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.