A new EU move towards clearing the way for insect protein to be used in animal feeds has been both welcomed and criticised by a leading global waste-to-nutrient provider.
A vote taken yesterday (Tuesday) during a meeting of the EU Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (SCoPAFF) approved the use of insect protein as a feed in EU aquaculture but did not extend the clearance to rations for other farmed species, including poultry and pigs.
According to AgriProtein, claimed to be the world’s biggest fly-farmer, the decision brings insect protein into the mainstream of ingredients permitted in animal feed and is a big step forward for the environment and for world food security.
The company’s co-founder, Jason Drew, remains critical of the EU, however, concerning the restrictions on insect protein use which continue to exist.
“While the new regulations will permit insect protein as a feed in EU aquaculture, the situation hasn’t changed for other farm animals, including poultry and pigs,” he said.
“Moreover, with post-consumer waste still excluded as a rearing material for insects, the move will do little to solve Europe’s waste management crisis.
“Insects are a natural source of protein for all mono-gastric animals. Indeed the EU already permits the use of insect protein in pet food, when the insects have been reared on pre-consumer vegetable waste.
“We’re calling on regulators to move to the next logical step: give insect protein the green light as a feed for all non-ruminants and give post-consumer waste the green light as an insect-rearing material.”
