January 20, 2025 – The European Commission has officially authorized the placement of UVB-treated Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm) larvae powder on the EU market as a novel food, marking a milestone in the global sustainable protein revolution. The approval, effective from February 10, allows the ingredient to be added to a wide range of processed foods including bread, wraps, pasta, potato products, cheese, and jams, with a maximum inclusion level of 4% .

Currently, France-based Nutri Earth holds exclusive EU marketing rights for the product over the next five years, with other enterprises required to obtain separate approval. MarketsandMarkets forecasts the global edible insects market will surge from $2.4 billion in 2023 to $9.7 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 22.3%, driven by EU's "Farm to Fork" strategy which targets a 25% increase in alternative protein consumption by 2030 . "This approval is a game-changer for food manufacturers seeking sustainable, nutrient-dense ingredients," noted Marian Peters, President of the International Insect Food Association.