Safety of frozen and dried formulations from whole yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor larva) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Overview & Synopsis

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and FoodAllergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on frozen and dried formulations from whole yellowmealworm (Tenebrio molitorlarva) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. Theterm yellow mealworm refers to the larval form of the insect speciesTenebrio molitor. The NF comprisesthe frozen and freeze-dried formulations of the yellow mealworm, whole or in the form of powder. Thefrozen formulation consists mainly of water, crude protein and fat whereas the freeze-dried formulationsof crude protein, fat, digestible carbohydrates andfibre (chitin). The Panel notes that the levels ofcontaminants in the NF depend on the occurrence levels of these substances in the insect feed. ThePanel notes furthermore that there are no safety concerns regarding the stability of the NF if the NFcomplies with the proposed specification limits during its entire shelf-life. The dried formulations of theNF have a high protein content, although the true protein levels in the NF are overestimated when usingthe nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor of 6.25, due to the presence of non-protein nitrogen fromchitin. The applicant proposed to use the NF as whole frozen or whole dried insect, or in the form ofpowder, added as an ingredient to various food products such as cereal bars, pasta, meat imitates andbakery products. The target population is the general population. The Panel notes that, considering thatthe NF will not be the sole source of dietary protein, and the composition of the NF and the proposedconditions of use, the consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. The submitted toxicitystudies from the literature did not raise safety concerns. The Panel considers that the consumption of theNF may induce primary sensitisation and allergic reactions to yellow mealworm proteins and may causeallergic reactions in subjects with allergy to crustaceans and dust mites. Additionally, allergens from thefeed may end up in the NF. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed uses and uselevels