In more detail

By way of background, the SFA has developed an Insect Regulatory Framework, which puts in place guidelines for insects to be approved as food items.

The framework encompasses guidelines for businesses that intend to import, farm or process insects into food for human consumption or animal feed. These guidelines were developed with reference to countries and regions that have allowed the consumption of certain insects as food, including the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and Thailand. Currently, there are no international standards set on the sale or consumption of insects as food or animal feed.

The guidelines consist of the following key points:

• The species of insect must be assessed to have a history of consumption.
• Contaminants must not be introduced in the farming and processing of insects and insect products.
• The final product must be safe for consumption.

The SFA has now approved the consumption of 16 insect species for food. For other insect species to be approved for human consumption, the SFA will make an evaluation on the basis of the following information:

• The scientific name of the insect and intended life stage(s) meant for human consumption
• Details of the farming and/or processing method, including the type of substrate (i.e., material used for feeding insects)
• Evidence of history of use as a human food in a country other than Singapore
• Information relied on to establish that the species and life stage are safe for consumption (e.g., scientific literature or laboratory reports)
• A Singapore address or entity of the applicant

In respect of the import of insects and insect products, the SFA has also concomitantly introduced certain guidelines. These include having to submit documentary proof that products are manufactured in properly regulated premises and a health certificate certifying amongst others that insects are not harvested from the wild. There are also additional requirements, which differ depending on whether the insects and insect products are imported for human consumption or as animal feed for food-producing animals, or if the insects are live insects for local farming for human consumption or as animal feed.

Key takeaways

The approval of these insect species for human consumption and animal feed is a welcome development as insects have long been touted as a sustainable alternative to meat. This announcement is also welcome as businesses in the insect food space finally have some clarity as to the approval of their products and the regulations and guidelines in place to obtain such approval.

* * * * *

© 2024 Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow. All rights reserved. Baker & McKenzie.Wong & Leow is incorporated with limited liability and is a member firm of Baker & McKenzie International, a global law firm with member law firms around the world. In accordance with the common terminology used in professional service organizations, reference to a "principal" means a person who is a partner, or equivalent, in such a law firm. Similarly, reference to an "office" means an office of any such law firm. This may qualify as "Attorney Advertising" requiring notice in some jurisdictions. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.