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Hermetia illucens must be reared on substrates that meet feed-grade standards – they cannot be food waste containing meat or products of animal origin. Production must meet safety standards, and processed components must pass quality checks. For feed and pet food manufacturers, this is critical knowledge – because although Hermetia-based products are often cheaper outside Europe, farming standards differ drastically depending on the region.

As with any production system, conditions are key. A range of EU and national regulations impose microbiological safety requirements on producers. Our insects – just like all other farm animals – are subject to strict control by the Veterinary Inspectorate. We conduct continuous internal and external testing – in accredited laboratories – confirming the quality and safety of our products.

Hermetia illucens grows quickly, requires little water and feed, and can be farmed in vertical systems. Moreover, feed components from Hermetia larvae offer unique health benefits, allowing certain traditional ingredients to be removed from feed formulations. Although insect protein is still more expensive than fishmeal or soybean meal, including it in the right way can actually help reduce the overall cost of a formula.

Given today’s global challenges – including population growth, shrinking resource availability, water scarcity, reduced farmland, and rising food and feed production costs – alternative protein sources are not just the future, but a necessity.

Yes, insect-derived products are strictly regulated and fall under European Union law – partly under the same legislation that governs conventional feed materials and feeds.

Compared to insects found in the wild, farmed insects are not vectors of pathogens for humans or animals. This is because they have no contact with the external environment – these species are not exposed to sources of contamination. The larvae are raised in controlled conditions, and the processing methods eliminate microbiological risks. Moreover, insect farming facilities are specifically designed to prevent any potential escapes.

They already do! In France, the Netherlands, and Germany, eggs and meat from animals raised on insect-based feed are available on the market. Major retail chains are introducing “sustainably raised” products – one of the defining features of which is the use of insect-based feed.

Studies show that the taste of meat, milk, and eggs from animals fed Hermetia illucens is no different from those receiving traditional diets. These findings are confirmed by both laboratory analyses and consumer panels – where participants describe consistent eating experiences.

The production costs of insect-based feed materials are currently higher than those of traditional feeds – so this is certainly not a “cheap alternative.” This is due to the relative novelty of the sector and the need to optimise production processes. Nonetheless, in terms of quality, nutrient content, and chemical composition, insect products are on par with standard protein sources. With the right feed formulation, it is possible to maximise the benefits of including Hermetia illucens components – while also reducing the final formula cost.

Before insect-derived feed materials were approved for market use, the European Union required strong scientific evidence to support such a decision. This included proof of the safety and effectiveness of these products. Scientific studies in this area have been ongoing for about 20 years.

Quite the opposite – producing Hermetia illucens requires 90% less water and land than soy and generates virtually no waste, as both feed materials and fertiliser are obtained.

Nothing is being hidden – EU regulations clearly define the standards for insect protein production. Insect producers, just like any entity in the food and feed sector, are required to guarantee the safety of their products. As such, they must comply with strict requirements. Hermetia illucens larvae undergo rigorous microbiological testing, and the production process is controlled at every stage. This is confirmed by the quality certifications our production facility has received.

It’s hard to call a solution a “trend” when it directly addresses the rising costs and scarcity of protein sources – while also offering environmental sustainability and animal health benefits. The growing interest from feed and pet food producers – as well as farmers – shows this is a long-term shift.

If animals have been eating insects for centuries, why not? In the wild, many species of poultry, fish, and mammals feed on larvae because they are rich in protein, fats, valuable nutrients, and are easy to digest. Industrial-scale production of components from Hermetia illucens larvae ensures greater control over the chemical composition and maintains product quality – including microbiological safety – thanks to high hygiene standards.

Yes – Hermetia illucens is a master at converting organic waste into high-quality protein and fat. Its farming uses 90% less water and 50% less land than soybean production, while generating a minimal carbon footprint. Additionally, the by-product of Hermetia farming – insect frass (droppings, shed skins, and feed residues) – is a high-quality, full-value fertiliser. Our production is truly zero waste.

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.

Yes – across various animal groups. In piglets, Hermetia illucens-based products improved protein digestibility and gut health, leading to higher weight gains and more stable gut microbiota. Turkeys fed with Hermetia-based diets showed better feed conversion ratios and greater resistance to oxidative stress, suggesting improved liver function. In aquaculture, Hermetia-based feeds effectively replaced fishmeal – in studies on rainbow trout and tilapia, they boosted growth performance and resistance to infection. In companion animals, insect protein is used in diets for dogs with food allergies, and research shows it is well tolerated and does not cause digestive issues – even in sensitive animals.