Fact check: Are Europeans being forced to eat dangerous insects?

Misleading online claims are alleging that dangerous insect-based products have been green-lit for the European market.

Transcript

00:00Has the EU let dangerous insects onto the food market?

00:09A new set of insects which have been approved for the European market are creating a stir online.

00:14Earlier this month, the European Commission green-lit UV-treated yellow mealworm larvae,

00:20which can be used in anything from bread to dairy products.

00:23However, online users are claiming that this new insect product is dangerous.

00:28We're going to make them believe, based on reports, based on influencers, based on articles, that it's good for them.

00:58New approved insects are reviewed on an individual basis rather than the whole species.

01:03The independent scientific body EFSA must approve their consumption.

01:08This product can be safely consumed under the proposed use and use levels

01:12because we have done a comprehensive assessment of its composition

01:17and there was no issue found by our experts here at EFSA.

01:21So, scientists believe the new approved insects are safe.

01:25These insects also have huge potential as a sustainable protein supply for the world's growing population.

01:30The misleading online claims mainly come from Eurosceptic accounts and right-wing American accounts.

01:36The users sharing the misleading posts have also been calling for member states to leave the European Union

01:42in order to gain further food sovereignty.

01:45Others talk about the need to protect the meat industry, viewing insects as a threat.

01:50The approved products may be safe to eat, but whether you fancy them is another question.

01:55EFSA