Mealworms Now Sold as Food in EU
2021-05-17
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1People across Europe many soon be able to buy dried yellow mealworms in food stores and in restaurants.
2Earlier this month, the European Union's 27 nations approved a proposal to put Tenebrio molitor beetle larva on the market as a "novel food."
3The move came after the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) ruled the insect safe to eat.
4Researchers described the mealworm as a protein-rich food.
5They said the larva can be eaten whole or crushed into small pieces for mixing with other foods.
6People with allergies to dust or shellfish -- such as crab, lobster, or clams -- may also be allergic to mealworms, the European Commission said.
7Insects as food represent a very small market.
8However, EU officials said raising them for food could be good for the environment.
9The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization calls insects "a healthy and highly nutritious food source" with high amounts "of fat, protein, vitamins, fibers, and minerals."
10Following the approval by EU states, a EU regulation authorizing dried yellow mealworms as a food will be coming soon.
11I'm Anna Matteo.
1People across Europe many soon be able to buy dried yellow mealworms in food stores and in restaurants. 2Earlier this month, the European Union's 27 nations approved a proposal to put Tenebrio molitor beetle larva on the market as a "novel food." 3The move came after the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) ruled the insect safe to eat. 4Researchers described the mealworm as a protein-rich food. They said the larva can be eaten whole or crushed into small pieces for mixing with other foods. 5People with allergies to dust or shellfish -- such as crab, lobster, or clams -- may also be allergic to mealworms, the European Commission said. 6Insects as food represent a very small market. However, EU officials said raising them for food could be good for the environment. 7The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization calls insects "a healthy and highly nutritious food source" with high amounts "of fat, protein, vitamins, fibers, and minerals." 8Following the approval by EU states, a EU regulation authorizing dried yellow mealworms as a food will be coming soon. 9I'm Anna Matteo. 10Staff writers for the Associated Press reported this story. Anna Matteo adapted it for VOA Learning English. Caty Weaver was the editor. 11_________________________________________________________ 12Words in This Story 13larva - n. a very young form of an insect that looks like a worm 14novel - adj. new and not resembling something formerly known or used 15allergy - n. a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people 16crustacean - n. technical : a type of animal (such as a crab or lobster) that has several pairs of legs and a body made up of sections that are covered in a hard outer shell 17market - n. the available supply of or potential demand for specified goods or services