Yes, producers of feeds and pet food containing insects – including Hermetia illucens – are subject to the same legal obligations as any other entity operating in the food or feed sector. They are required to ensure the safety of products placed on the market. This means complying with general hygiene and safety standards at each stage of production, in line with Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 on feed hygiene.

Hermetia illucens larvae dominate insect-based feed production. Their uniqueness lies in their rapid growth and rich chemical composition. Products derived from Hermetia are exceptionally well studied – as confirmed by numerous scientific publications across various animal species. Other insects that may be used in animal feed include: the housefly (Musca domestica), yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus), house cricket (Acheta domesticus), banded cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus), Jamaican field cricket (Gryllus assimilis), and silkworm (Bombyx mori).

Insect-based feed materials are rich in nutrients essential for proper functioning and overall health of animals. What sets them apart from conventional ingredients is their unique fatty acid profile – especially the high content of lauric acid, which naturally supports immunity, along with the presence of antimicrobial peptides. They also contain calcium and phosphorus in highly bioavailable forms.

Yes, insect protein can be used in feeds for fish, poultry, pigs, and companion animals – as permitted under Regulation (EU) 2017/893. The law requires that insects be raised on safe substrates, and that the processed protein meets specific microbiological and chemical standards.

From a biochemical perspective, any protein has the potential to trigger allergies. However, insect protein carries a lower risk than commonly used animal- or plant-based proteins. Because of this lower risk, insect protein is often used as an alternative for animals with allergies or food intolerances.