On 9 March 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published public consultation document PC-1860, proposing the authorization of refined fat derived from black soldier fly (BSF) larvae as a novel food ingredient in the European Union. The consultation forms part of the EU’s novel food authorization procedure and aims to gather stakeholder feedback on the proposed uses and safety considerations for the ingredient.
The proposed novel food is refined fat extracted from black soldier fly larvae and is intended to be used as a fat substitute ingredient in a variety of food products. According to the proposal, the ingredient would be suitable for consumption by the general population.
EFSA has outlined specific intended uses and maximum use levels across multiple food categories. The proposed maximum levels include:
Bread and rolls: up to 25 g/100 g
Pasta, dough, and similar products: up to 8 g/100 g
Ready-to-eat porridge: up to 10 g/100 g
Baked goods: up to 25 g/100 g
Garlic paste, tomato paste, and vegetable paste: up to 5 g/100 g
Fermented or pickled vegetables and canned vegetables: up to 60 g/100 g
Pickled fruits and canned fruits: up to 40 g/100 g
Cream and cream products, fermented milk or cream: up to 20 g/100 g
The proposed authorization reflects growing interest in insect-derived ingredients as alternative and sustainable food sources within the European food system. If approved, the ingredient could provide food manufacturers with a novel lipid source for use in various processed foods.
EFSA has opened the public consultation period until 2 April 2026, allowing stakeholders, industry participants, and scientific experts to submit comments before the assessment proceeds further in the EU novel food approval process.
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