The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Monday approved 16 types of insects for human consumption, including various species of crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, locusts and silkworms. The announcement has delighted industry players, who have been preparing for this long-awaited moment.
“With immediate effect, the SFA will allow the import of insects and insect products belonging to species that have been deemed of low regulatory concern. These insects and insect products may be used for human consumption or as animal feed for food-producing animals,” the agency said in a circular addressed to processed food and animal feed traders.
According to The Straits TimesPest control suppliers and catering service providers in Singapore are preparing to source pests from regulated farms in China, Thailand and Vietnam.
According to SFA guidelines, imported or locally raised insects must follow strict food safety controls, ensuring they are not caught from the wild. Insects not on SFA’s list of 16 must undergo evaluation to ensure those species are safe to eat, the agency said.
In addition, companies selling pre-packaged food containing insects will also have to put a similar label on their packaging. Products found not to comply with food safety regulations will not be allowed to be sold.
Restaurants are getting ready
Meanwhile, many restaurants and cafes are preparing to create new dishes made from insects, which they hope will boost their sales and attract customers. Francis Ng, chief executive of House of Seafood restaurant, said he is preparing a menu of 30 insect-based dishes. For example, some seafood dishes such as salted egg crab will be added with insects.
Mr Ng said his restaurant receives five to six calls a day asking about the insect-based dishes and when customers can start ordering them.
“Many of our customers, especially the younger generation under 30, are very adventurous. They want to see the whole insect in the dish. So I’m giving them a variety of options to choose from,” he said.
He estimates that selling insect-based dishes will increase his income by about 30 percent.
According to Channel News AsiaCrickets, grasshoppers and mealworms are rich in protein. These insects are also rich in antioxidants and minerals like iron, zinc, copper and magnesium.
