Singapore Approves 16 Types of Edible Insects(@Down To Earth)

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has evaluated and confirmed that 16 types of insects are safe for consumption. As of today, the industry can import, manufacture, and sell these insect foods locally. It is expected that the public will be able to eat and buy them soon. The implementation of this plan was about a year later than expected.

Edible Insects: Beyond the List of 16

In addition to the 16 types of insects such as crickets, silkworm pupae, and grasshoppers, insect foods not on this list need to be evaluated separately.

Public Consultation on Insect Foods

The SFA conducted a public consultation on insect foods from October 5 to December 4, 2022, to discuss how to regulate businesses that breed or import edible insects locally. The authority originally planned to approve insect foods in the local market in the second half of 2023, but it was postponed to the first half of this year. However, the time required to confirm the market and regulatory details was more than estimated.

Regulations for Importers and Breeders

Importers or breeders of insects for human or livestock consumption must meet the standards of the Food Agency. For example, the industry must prove that the imported insects are bred under strict food safety supervision and are not wild harvested. In addition, the breeding substrate of insects cannot contain pathogens or harmful pollutants.

Standards for Processed Insect Foods

As for the industry that imports and sells processed insect foods, they must ensure that the products are safe to eat and comply with Singapore's Food Regulations. Like other foods, insect foods must also undergo food safety testing, and those that fail to meet the standards are banned from sale.

Labeling Requirements

Businesses selling pre-packaged insect foods must also indicate the insect ingredients contained in the product packaging to help consumers make wise decisions.

Penalties for Misleading Statements

If businesses make misleading statements about food ingredients, they may violate food sales laws. Once convicted, first-time offenders can be fined up to 5,000 Singapore dollars (about 29,000 Hong Kong dollars), repeat offenders can be fined up to 10,000 Singapore dollars (about 58,000 Hong Kong dollars), or imprisoned for up to three months, or both.

United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization: Over 1900 Types of Edible Insects

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has been promoting the commercial breeding of insects for human consumption or as livestock feed in recent years, attracting a lot of commercial interest. According to the organization's statistics, there are more than 1900 types of edible insects.

The Benefits of Insect Consumption

Research indicates that insects are rich in protein, vitamins, fiber, and minerals. The land and water used for breeding, as well as the greenhouse gases emitted, are less than those for traditional livestock such as cows and pigs. Although the concept of eating insects is still quite new locally, it has been a long tradition in some Asian countries. For example, people in Korea eat silkworm pupae, and people in Thailand eat crickets.

Regulatory Practices in Other Countries

The Food Agency referred to the practices of the European Union and countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Korea, and Thailand. After completing a comprehensive scientific assessment, it was determined that some insects with a record of consumption can be used as food.

Food Safety Assurance

The Food Agency reiterated that it values food safety and has established a comprehensive framework to ensure that insects imported or bred locally are safe to eat.

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