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EU novel food approvals for T. molitor: what is approved, for whom, and in what form
Two EU authorisations cover mealworm for human food. Neither covers all products from all producers. Guide to what each authorisation permits and who can use it.
The EU has authorised two forms of Tenebrio molitor for human food. Both authorisations are product-specific and applicant-specific; they do not create a general approval for all mealworm products.
The two authorisations
Authorisation 1: Dried yellow mealworm larva
- Regulation: Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/882
- Date: 1 June 2021
- Form: Dried whole larva
- Applicant: Cricket One Co. Ltd
- Permitted uses: Snacks, pasta, cereal-based products, legume and vegetable dishes, sauces, pizza, bread, chocolate and confectionery, soups, and certain meat preparations
- Note: After the initial 5-year exclusivity, other producers may apply to place equivalent products on the market.
Authorisation 2: UV-treated powder of whole yellow mealworm
- Regulation: Commission Implementing Regulation, 20 January 2025
- Date: 20 January 2025
- Form: UV-treated powder from whole larvae
- Applicant: NutriÉarth (France)
- Permitted uses: Bread and rolls, cakes, pasta, processed potato products, cheese and cheese products, fruit and vegetable compotes
- Exclusivity: 5-year exclusive authorisation from January 2025
What this means if you are not the named applicant
If you are a UK or EU mealworm producer who is not Cricket One or NutriÉarth:
- You may sell dried mealworm larva (matching the EU 2021/882 specification) in the EU, provided you follow the conditions in the regulation (labelling, allergen information, production standards). The 5-year exclusivity for Cricket One expired in June 2026. Check the current authorisation register for updated conditions.
- You may not sell UV-treated mealworm powder under Authorisation 2 until NutriÉarth’s exclusivity expires in January 2030, unless you obtain a separate authorisation.
- Products in forms not covered by either authorisation (e.g. mealworm flour, mealworm oil, mealworm protein isolate) require their own novel food applications.
Animal feed
T. molitor is approved for animal feed across the EU, including aquaculture and poultry feed, under the EU animal feed regulations. Feed-grade sales do not require the novel food pathway.
Allergen labelling in the EU
Both authorisations require allergen information using the common name yellow mealworm and a cross-reactivity statement for crustacean shellfish and house dust mite allergy sufferers.