The aim of the focus campaign was to determine whether these goods exhibited any abnormalities with regard to hygiene parameters, authenticity, contaminants (mycotoxins (DON, ZON, aflatoxins, ochratoxin A), lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury) and pesticides.
15 samples from all over Austria were analysed. Two samples were rejected:
- - Both complaints were due to the content of unauthorised insect species
To date, four insect species have been authorised throughout the EU as novel foods in accordance with the Novel Food Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The first insect to be authorised in 2021 was the yellow mealworm (larva of Tenebrio molitor). This was followed by the house cricket(Acheta domesticus) and the migratory locust(Locusta migratoria). Finally, the larvae of the cereal mould beetle(Alphitobius diaperinus) and the partially defatted powder of the house cricket were approved.