A new EU law has authorised the use of insect protein in poultry and pig feed. A ban on processed animal protein was imposed in 2001 after the ‘mad cow’ crisis. Since then, soy and fishmeal have been used as animal feed in Europe.
So what?
The law will be a boost for the growing insect protein sector, and it also has potential to lessen the environmental impact of animal feed. Production of soy and fishmeal requires a lot of space, and they can be harmful to the environment. Insect protein provides an alternative. Insect production requires little land and water, and they can also be fed agricultural by-products or food waste. Plus, insects are part of the natural diet of pigs and poultry.
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