In Singapore, the import and sale of insect products for human consumption and animal feed may allow soon. Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has issued a statement recently it says, after a thorough scientific review, it could allow specific species of insects with a history of human consumption to be served as food.
The commercial farming of insects for human consumption and animal feed has been promoted by the Food and Agriculture organisation. 16 insect species have been reviewed for human consumption, including some types of crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, mealworms, moths, silkworms and honey bees, SFA said.
The statement also stated that, in Singapore, more than 10 companies have expressed interest in importing insect food products or insect farming. Companies intending to import or farm insects for human consumption or animal feed have certain requirements for food safety. Those who are interested in the import and farming of insects without a history of human consumption must conduct and submit safety assessments to SFA. SFA said insect products will be subjected to food and safety testing, as with all other food available in Singapore. Food that is found to be non-compliant with our food and safety regulations will not be allowed for sale, SFA said.
The agency is seeking feedback from the public as well as from the food and animal feed industry on the import conditions and additional pre-licensing requirements for insects and insect products.
The insect sector has gathered increasing attention over the past few years, with the global insect protein market alone estimated to be worth $343 million in 2021. It is expected to grow with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.49 % to reach $ 1.3 billion by 2027.