EFSA: Safety of frozen paste from blanched, whole migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283
Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on frozen paste from blanched, whole migratory locusts (Locusta migratoria) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is produced from farmed sub-adult L. migratoria, which are blanched, wet ground into a paste, packed and stored frozen. The main components of the NF are water, proteins, fats and dietary fibres, including chitin.
Considering the composition of the NF and the proposed conditions of use, the consumption of the NF is not nutritionally disadvantageous. The Panel notes that no safety concerns arise from the toxicological information available in the literature. The Panel considers that the consumption of the NF might trigger primary sensitisation to L. migratoria proteins and may cause allergic reactions in subjects allergic to crustaceans, mites and molluscs. Additionally, the Panel notes that allergens from the feed might still be present in the NF. The Panel concludes that the NF is safe under the proposed uses and use levels.
EFSA - European Food Safety Autority | EFSA Journal Volume 24, Issue 10, October 2026