The European Union recognises some insects as a sustainable and innovative food source. (source: Unsplash )
Producers associated with the Slovak Association of Bakers, Confectioners and Pasta Makers (SZPCC) have categorically rejected any addition of insect-based products to their products. They have declared that they will not manufacture products containing such ingredients, even if requested by retail chains. The decision was confirmed in a joint resolution agreed at the association’s general assembly, which was held last Thursday in Donovaly, central Slovakia.
“If someone wants to eat ground worms, they can pick up imported products from Western Europe, which retail chains are bringing in large quantities,” Milan Lapšanský, the association's chairman, said on Wednesday, as quoted in an SZPCC press release. “But in Slovak products, such ingredients will definitely not be found.”
SZPCC – which counts more than 520 members, who supply the majority of bread, pastries, confectionery and pasta consumed by Slovaks, and employ over 12,200 workers – issued the statement in response to the approval for use in the European Union of powder made from whole larvae of the mealworm beetle as a permitted ingredient in food. The EU has authorised its use in bakery products, such as bread rolls or loaves of bread, where up to four grams of the powder can be included per product. The use of this novel food must be accompanied by clear labelling of the ingredient on the product packaging.
A unanimous verdict
Lapšanský stated that, at last week’s general assembly, SZPCC members unanimously agreed that they had no intention of supplementing their traditional recipes with any powders made from worms or other insects, even if requested to do so by retail chains. Slovakia is fully self-sufficient in wheat production, and the association sees absolutely no reason to conduct any such “tests” on Slovak consumers.
“Justifying this with environmental or ethical arguments has its limits. There are no relevant studies on the long-term effects of insect consumption on humans," said Lapšanský. “We refuse to succumb to pressure from environmental activists or retail chains.”
A rich source of protein
Several types of insects have been approved for use as food in the European Union. These include the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor), migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), house cricket (Acheta domesticus), and lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus).
On June 1, 2021, the European Commission adopted Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/882, authorising the placing of dried mealworm larvae on the EU market as a novel food.
Subsequently, on January 20, 2025, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/89 was adopted, allowing the placing of UV-treated powder from whole mealworm larvae on the EU market as a novel food.
These regulations permit the addition of dried or powdered forms of mealworm larvae to various food products, including bread, pastries, pasta and cheese.
All food products containing such ingredients must be properly labelled to inform consumers of the presence of insect matter. Additionally, as insect consumption may trigger allergic reactions in individuals allergic to crustaceans and mites, the affected products must include an allergen warning.
The measures are part of the EU’s broader efforts to promote sustainable and innovative food sources, as insects are considered a rich source of protein with a low environmental impact.
