IPIFF is notably engaged in the development of a guidance paper documenting best practice in quality and hygienic insect production. The project should be completed by the end of the year.
Looking ahead, IPIFF is also considering options for extending regulatory opportunities on the use of insect as animal feed. More specifically, its members believe that insects could soon be an important addition in feed for poultry and pig species.
Furthermore, EU insect producers recognize the potential for insects to offer recycling solutions for certain residues originating from the agri-food chain. Against this background, IPIFF pleads for expanding scientific investigations on the safe use of a few ‘high-grade’ substrates that are currently not authorised as feedstock for insects in Europe. These include former foodstuffs containing meat and fish, and catering waste. Their authorisation as feed for insects could be envisaged in the future, if the European Food Safety Authority assures that these do not entail safety risks.
Concerning the growth of insects for human consumption, IPIFF has announced its commitment to assist insect producers in the implementation of the EU Novel Food legislation. The text requires producers to submit a fully documented application to EU public authorities, in view of authorising their products as food on the European market. To his end, IPIFF offers its support to help producers fulfill these procedures, in collaboration with stakeholders representing the interests of insect producing companies.
In the meantime, IPIFF members ask for effective implementation of the transitional measures foreseen in the Novel Food legislation. From IPIFF's point of view, all insect producers complying with EU food legislation should benefit from this possibility granted by the legislator.
Finally, IPIFF is proud to announce the organisation of a major conference on ‘Insects for Food & Feed’ by the end of the year, most likely in November. The event’s objective is to take stock of current regulatory progress made for the sector and to explore future opportunities for the EU insect and agri-food value chains.
