How does SFA ensure the food safety in the consumption of insects and insect products?
SFA’s guidelines on the import, farming and processing of insects are based on the following key points:
- Species of insect must be assessed to have a history of human consumption.
- Contaminants must not be introduced in the farming and processing of insects and insect products.
- Final product must be safe for consumption.
The guidelines are developed following a thorough scientific review taking reference from countries and regions that have allowed the consumption of certain insects as food. These include the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand. At present, there are no international standards set by the Codex Alimentarius Commission or the World Organisation for Animal Health for the sale and consumption of insects as food or animal feed.
Nonetheless, there is data supporting the general consumption of food that is made up of, or comprising ingredients from a list of 16 insect-like species found in the . These insects are hence not considered to be of higher regulatory concern. However, insects which are not on this list would need to undergo evaluation to ensure that they can be used for human consumption. The information to be submitted to SFA for the assessment of new insect species are:
- Scientific name of insect and intended life stage(s) that are meant for human consumption.
- Details of the farming and/or processing method, including the type of substrate (i.e. material used for feeding insects).
- Evidence of history of use as a human food in a country other than Singapore.
- Information relied on to establish that the species and life stage is safe for consumption (e.g. scientific literature, laboratory reports).
- Singapore address or entity of applicant.
