Singapore approves 16 insects including silkworms and grasshoppers for human consumption

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on Monday approved 16 species of insects, including several species of crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers, grasshoppers and silkworms for human consumption. The announcement delighted industry players who are 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 assessed as being of low regulatory concern. These insects and insect products can 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 Strait TimesSuppliers and suppliers in Singapore have been preparing to source insects from regulated farms in China, Thailand and Vietnam.

SFA guidelines state that imported or locally grown insects must adhere to strict food safety controls, ensuring they are not harvested from the wild. Insects that are not on the SFA’s list of 16 will have to undergo an assessment to ensure the species is safe for consumption, the agency said.

Additionally, companies that sell pre-packaged foods containing insects will also be required to label their packaging as such. Those that do not comply with food safety regulations cannot be sold.

Restaurants getting ready

Meanwhile, several restaurants and cafes are preparing to prepare new insect-based dishes that they hope will increase their sales and attract customers. House of Seafood restaurant chief executive Francis Ng said he is preparing a 30-course insect-infused menu. The insects will be added to some of their seafood dishes, like the salted crab egg, for example.

Ng said his restaurant receives five to six calls a day asking about its insect-based dishes and when customers can start ordering them.

“Many of our clients, especially young people under 30, are very bold. They want to be able to see the entire insect on the plate.

He predicts that sales of insect-based dishes will increase his revenue by around 30%.

According to Asia News Channel, crickets, grasshoppers and mealworms, are rich in protein. These insects also contain many antioxidants and minerals, including iron, zinc, copper and magnesium.