Safety of frozen and dried formulations from migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Abstract

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Food and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of frozen and dried formulations from migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The term migratory locust refers to the adult of the insect species Locusta migratoria. The NF is proposed in three formulations i) frozen without legs and wings; ii) dried without legs and wings; iii) ground with legs and wings. The main components of the NF are protein, fat and fibre (chitin) in the dried form of the NF, and water, protein, fat and fibre (chitin) in the frozen form of the NF. The Panel notes that the concentration of contaminants in the NF depends on the occurrence levels of these substances in the insect feed. The Panel notes that there are no safety concerns regarding the stability of the NF if the NF complies with the proposed specification limits during its entire shelf-life. The NF has a high protein content, although the true protein levels in the NF are overestimated when using the nitrogen to-protein conversion factor of 6.25, due to the presence of non-protein nitrogen from chitin. The applicant proposed to use the NF as frozen, dried and ground in the form of snack, and as a food ingredient in a number of food products. The target population proposed by the applicant is the general population. The Panel notes that considering the composition of the NF and the proposed conditions of use, the consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. The submitted history of use and toxicity studies from literature did not raise safety concerns. The Panel considers that the consumption of the NF might trigger primary sensitisation to L. migratoria proteins and may cause allergic reactions in subjects with allergy to crustaceans, mites and molluscs. Additionally, allergens from the feed may end up in the NF. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed uses and use levels. (C) 2021 European Food Safety Authority. EFSA Journal published by John Wiley and Sons Ltd on behalf of European Food Safety Authority.