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EU gives green light to insect feeds

The use of insects as feed for pigs and chickens has moved a step closer after gaining the support of European politicians.

The committee on the environment, public health and food safety (ENVI) of the European Parliament has backed a proposal from the European Commission on the use of processed animal proteins (PAPs) for monogastric animals such as poultry and pigs.

Insect proteins are currently approved for use in aquaculture feed and for pet food but not for poultry and pigs which represent around 65% of EU feed production.

Insects have long been talked about as a more sustainable replacement for arable crops such as soya in animal feed, production of which has been linked with deforestation in places like the Amazon.

Proponents argue that because insects are mostly farmed on food by-products or foods no longer intended for human consumption they can support a circular economy and reduce food waste.

The authorisation of insect PAPs in poultry and pig feed would contribute to improving the sustainability and competitiveness of the European livestock sector and reducing the EU’s protein deficit, according to the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF), the trade body for the European insect sector.

“In the past years, insect producers have worked closely with academia and feed manufacturers to develop products that are aligned with the nutritional needs of poultry and swine animals. We look forward to offering local solutions to pig and poultry farmers involved in both conventional and organic production,” said Christophe Trespeuch, chair of the IPIFF working group on feed hygiene and animal nutrition.

Demand for insects as feed is expected to grow once final authorisation is granted leading to an increase in production capacity. IPIFF estimates the sector may reach a total turnover of around €2bn euros each year by the end of the decade.

The decision will also have the consequence of lifting the EU ban on feeding animal remains to domestic livestock introduced during the BSE crisis.

The UK continues to ban the use of PAPs in the feed of farm animals. A spokesperson for DEFRA told The Guardian: “The UK is committed to maintaining the highest animal welfare and biosecurity standards, and following our departure from the EU there is no legal obligation for us to implement any of these changes.

“As an independent trading nation we have the option to review our own TSE legislation in the future and ensure that any changes made would maintain our high level of protection of human and animal health and food safety, on the basis of scientific evidence.”