Are we being forced to eat insects? Debunking the myths about 'Tenebrio molitor'

"We are unknowingly eating insects, and they are harmful to our health." These are just two examples of the messages that have flooded social media in recent weeks, following the European Commission's (EC) authorization of "UV-treated powder from whole larvae of Tenebrio molitor", commonly known as the mealworm, as a "novel food." These claims, which lack any truth, aim to create unnecessary public and media alarm through misinformation, while ignoring the scientific evidence that supports the safety of this approval.

"These statements are completely false. European legislation is clear and transparent: all products containing insects must be properly labeled, indicating the species and type of processing. We will not consume them unknowingly. Moreover, these are optional ingredients, not mandatory, and always subject to consumer choice," explains Ana González, CEO of Protiberia, a leading company in the supply of Tenebrio molitor egg colonies.

Meanwhile, José Ángel Sanz, Communications Director at Tebrio—a global leader and pioneer in the breeding and industrial processing of Tenebrio molitor—emphasizes that "European food regulations are highly stringent, with core principles of transparency and clear labeling to inform consumers about product composition. 

Additionally, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) conducts a thorough evaluation before approving new ingredients for human consumption," as demonstrated in the recent approval of Tenebrio molitor.

Four Insect Species Already Approved for Human Consumption in the EU by 2023

"Novel foods" are defined as those that were not significantly consumed by European Union citizens before May 15, 1997, the date when the first European regulation on novel foods came into effect. This regulation requires prior authorization before any new food product can be marketed in the EU, following a rigorous scientific assessment by EFSA. This process ensures that the food poses no health risks.

The European Commission's decision represents one of the final steps in the approval process for this product as a novel food. The EU Member States gave the green light for the European Commission to authorize the French food company Nutriearth—starting from February 10, 2025—to market its Tenebrio molitor-derived product, following a prior request for approval.

By 2023, the commercialization of four insect species for human consumption had already been authorized in the EU: mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor), the migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), the house cricket (Acheta domesticus), and the lesser mealworm larvae (Alphitobius diaperinus). These insects can be sold whole or as powder for further food production. In this context, the European Tenebrio molitor market is experiencing significant growth, driven precisely by regulatory approvals for its use in food products.

Tenebrio molitor: A Safe Food with No Nutritional Disadvantages or Toxic Risks

Protiberia highlights that the European Commission's recent decision "marks a significant step forward in recognizing and regulating the use of Tenebrio molitor as a novel food within the European legal framework." While its commercialization for human consumption had already been authorized since 2021, this new approval clarifies a key aspect: the use of UV-treated Tenebrio molitor powder as an ingredient in a wide range of food products.

This authorization expands the insect's applications beyond traditional formats such as whole insects or snacks, allowing its incorporation into everyday products like baked goods, pasta, fruit and vegetable purees, meat and cheese substitutes, energy bars, supplements, and other functional foods. In this regard, Ana González, CEO of Protiberia, emphasizes that the EFSA ruling "confirms the product's safety, with no nutritional disadvantages and no toxic risks, except for individuals allergic to shellfish and mites." This scientifically based statement directly refutes the numerous false claims circulating on social media about supposed health risks.

"The most important aspect of this authorization," continues Protiberia's CEO, "is that it not only validates the safety and feasibility of Tenebrio molitor as human food but also opens the door to a growing market for sustainable functional ingredients, aligned with European policies on sustainability, food security, and reducing environmental impact."

Beyond Human Consumption: From Animal Feed to Biofertilizers and the Cosmetics Industry

The applications of this insect are diverse, making it an increasingly valuable resource not only for the agri-food industry. According to Tebrio, Tenebrio molitor can yield different products throughout its life cycle. In its larval stage, it provides high-value proteins and lipids for producing feed for pigs, poultry, aquaculture, and pet food. It is worth noting that livestock currently consumes 20% of the proteins produced annually, competing directly with human consumption for water, arable land, and soil resources.

"These high-quality ingredients enhance animal development, digestion, and immune systems because they are rich in unsaturated fats, vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Additionally, the insect's excretions throughout its life generate a 100% organic biofertilizer with bio-fortifying, bio-stimulating, and bio-protective properties that enhance all types of crops," explains Tebrio's Communications Director. He also highlights the extensive bio-industrial applications during the insect's adult phase: "Chitin is extracted from the exoskeleton and converted into chitosan, which is used in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in the production of biodegradable plastics and wastewater treatment, among other applications."

Scientific Evidence and Informed Consumers to Overcome Europe's Cultural Barrier

The spread of fake news in recent weeks has been fueled by Europe's cultural reluctance toward insect consumption, largely due to the traditional perception of eating whole insects. "The current trend focuses on using insects, particularly Tenebrio molitor, as high-value functional ingredients that integrate seamlessly into the food chain in familiar formats such as flours, powders, or concentrates," explains Protiberia’s CEO. These ingredients are notable for their high content of complete protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, as well as their significantly lower environmental impact compared to other protein sources.

She believes that the only way to gradually break down this barrier is to normalize the presence of insects as ingredients in already familiar foods rather than as a visible final product. Informing consumers about their nutritional benefits and sustainability impact is crucial, along with "clear and transparent labeling to ensure consumer confidence and freedom of choice."

"It is essential to verify sources of information and be wary of sensationalist claims. Scientific evidence comes from universities, research centers, and health organizations that follow the scientific method and undergo peer review, ensuring the validity of their findings. Additionally, food regulations are highly restrictive. These two pillars form the foundation of the agri-food industry, which is why it is essential to trust only media sources that amplify the voices of recognized scientific experts," Tebrio emphasizes.

"The consumption of insects like Tenebrio molitor is a healthy, safe, and sustainable option, backed by rigorous scientific studies and European regulations. It is not an imposition but a transparent alternative for those seeking new protein sources with a lower environmental impact. Relying on credible sources is key to avoiding misunderstandings and unfounded myths," concludes Protiberia.