The consumption of edible insects is increasingly recognized as a sustainable protein source with the potential to address global food security and environmental challenges. However, regulatory frameworks governing their production, safety, and integration into food systems are fragmented and inconsistent globally. This chapter explores the regulatory landscape for edible insects, emphasizing regional differences in policies, challenges, and opportunities. While the European Union enforces stringent “novel food” regulations, many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America depend on traditional practices with limited formal oversight. Critical concerns include food safety risks such as allergenicity, microbial contamination, and chemical residues, alongside the need for standardized safety protocols to facilitate international trade. The chapter highlights strategies for harmonizing regulations, including the integration of indigenous knowledge, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and leveraging innovations in insect farming and processing technologies. Case studies from Thailand, Mexico, and Kenya demonstrate successful pathways for integrating edible insects into formal markets by balancing traditional practices with modern food safety standards. Additionally, the chapter underscores the potential role of edible insects in promoting circular economies and enhancing climate resilience through sustainable farming practices. The chapter provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to support the transition of edible insects from niche products to mainstream food sources. These include developing inclusive, science-based regulatory frameworks and fostering global collaboration.

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Regulatory Frameworks and Challenges for Edible Insects: Pathways to Mainstream Adoption

  • Prasann Kumar,
  • Matthew Chidozie Ogwu

摘要

The consumption of edible insects is increasingly recognized as a sustainable protein source with the potential to address global food security and environmental challenges. However, regulatory frameworks governing their production, safety, and integration into food systems are fragmented and inconsistent globally. This chapter explores the regulatory landscape for edible insects, emphasizing regional differences in policies, challenges, and opportunities. While the European Union enforces stringent “novel food” regulations, many countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America depend on traditional practices with limited formal oversight. Critical concerns include food safety risks such as allergenicity, microbial contamination, and chemical residues, alongside the need for standardized safety protocols to facilitate international trade. The chapter highlights strategies for harmonizing regulations, including the integration of indigenous knowledge, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and leveraging innovations in insect farming and processing technologies. Case studies from Thailand, Mexico, and Kenya demonstrate successful pathways for integrating edible insects into formal markets by balancing traditional practices with modern food safety standards. Additionally, the chapter underscores the potential role of edible insects in promoting circular economies and enhancing climate resilience through sustainable farming practices. The chapter provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers to support the transition of edible insects from niche products to mainstream food sources. These include developing inclusive, science-based regulatory frameworks and fostering global collaboration.