Singapore’s state food agency (SFA) has approved 16 species of edible insects for sale and consumption in the country, according to a July 8 public circular addressed to food traders.
Insects approved by the SFA include locusts, grasshoppers, mealworms and several species of beetle.
“Insects are an overlooked source of protein and a way to battle climate change,” according to a 2022 report by the World Economic Forum.
Live insects are commonly sold in Singapore as food for pets like songbirds and reptiles, but they could be a new and exciting option for human diners.
“As the insect industry is nascent and insects are a new food item here, SFA has developed an insect regulatory framework which puts in place guidelines for insects to be approved as food,” SFA said.
Persons:
nasi lemak, ”, Grasshopper tacos
Organizations:
CNN, SFA, ” SFA, World Economic, Grasshopper
Locations:
Singapore, Mexico, Thailand, Cambodia