Nigel Farage voices against the EU approval of adding insects to foods!

Insects are a cheap, easy, and eco-friendly source of protein. They are said to be the food of the future. And now the European Union has passed a resolution that allows insect proteins to be added to supermarket foods. Many are concerned about this approval. Nigel Farage has been vocal about it and said:

“I don’t want locusts for my breakfast”

Insects as a source of protein

Entomophagy or insect eating is a tradition in some ancient communities of the world. Animal proteins are no doubt complete and high in meats. But they negatively impact the environment. Moreover, the associated saturated fats in them is high and can cause metabolic syndrome.

Hence, experts in the field are urging government and health experts to consider insects as an alternative source of protein. They can be mass produced at a lower cost. Additionally, one does not risk harming the environment due to it. They have adequate protein to meet the demands of the world. Thus, they can assist in overcoming food insecurity and world hunger and malnutrition.

European Union Approval for insects in supermarket foods

The European Union (EU) has recently given approval to the use of Acheta Domesticus or crickets in supermarket foods. This would include the sanction for their addition to the commonly consumed popular foods like bread, pizza, pasta, nuts, chocolate, cereal bars, cookies, and soups. The EU Commission added that frozen, dried or pulverized forms of crickets can be put into various foods.

Besides crickets, beetles and mealworms have also got the approval to be an addition in the supermarket foods. Both these insects had received the first approval for mass consumption. Currently, 8 insects are on the list of approved insects for foods.

And the companies have to first apply to the EU Commission of their desire to add the insects to the foods. Only after EU commission sanctions it, can the companies go ahead and mix the insect protein in the foods. But they will have to disclose that on the label of the package.

The EU Commission said:

“The consumption of insects (…) contributes positively to the environment and to health and livelihoods.”

“They are a highly nutritious and healthy food source with high fat, protein, vitamin, fibre and mineral content. Therefore, they are an alternative protein source facilitating the shift towards healthy and sustainable diets.”

Nigel Farage voices concerns

Nigel Farage is a former member of the European Parliament. He is a British politician and broadcaster. Moreover, he headed the Brexit Party from 2019 to 2021.

Nigel and few others have raised their concerns about this new EU law. Some people suffer allergies to mollusks, crustaceans, and dust mite. They may have cross reactivity to the insect proteins.

They might get severe anaphylactic reactions and even death with their consumption. And then there are some who might be not eating insects for religious or other reasons.

Nigel has slammed the EU law and asked for a proper Brexit. He said:

“Over the last few years, there have been many people pointing the finger at the World Economic Forum saying they’ve got these evil plans for our future, and one of them is we’d all be forced to eat insects.“

Also, read Entomophagy or eating insects: Benefits and safety!

He added:

“We are about to have mass produced insects put into our food. The European Commission have approved it, it needs to go through the European Parliament. But given at the moment this country has kept itself aligned to EU food standards, I’d say it’s time for a proper Brexit. I don’t want locusts for my breakfast.”