How can I know if my food contains insects ?

How can I know if my food contains insects ?

The presence of insects in food is becoming more common, especially with the approval of certain insects as novel foods in the European Union. Whether you're allergic, vegan, vegetarian, or simply curious, here are several simple and effective ways to check if a food product contains insects or insect-derived ingredients.

1. Use Insect Scan

The Insect Scan app lets you scan a product's barcode to check if it contains insect-derived ingredients. It's free and available on Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. It uses the Open Food Facts database, which catalogs food products from around the world.

2. Check the labeling

According to European regulations, a product's label must indicate the presence of insects. For example:

• Acheta domesticus powder (house crickets) for crickets.
• Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm) for certain types of larvae.

These ingredients can appear in several forms:

• Powder
• Paste
• Frozen
• Freeze-dried

They are also listed as potential allergens for people sensitive to shellfish or dust mites.

3. Look for specific ingredients

Some products use insect derivatives without identifying them clearly, such as shellac (E904), a secretion from the Asian lac bug, or colorants like carmine from cochineal (E120).

These additives can be found in:

• Confectionery
• Coated products (candies, dragées, dried fruits)
• Certain glazes or food coatings

4. Watch out for unpackaged products

In restaurants, bakeries, or other places selling unpackaged or artisanal products, it may be hard to know if insect flours have been used, as mandatory labeling does not always apply. Don’t hesitate to ask staff for more information about the ingredients.

In summary

To avoid unintentional consumption of insects:

• Scan your products with Insect Scan
• Read labels carefully
• Know the common additives and scientific names
• Ask questions when in doubt, especially for unpackaged items