Ad hoc meeting with industry representatives

On 12 May 2020, EFSA met representatives from the International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) in the context of an ad hoc meeting with industry representatives. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on the novelties and challenges for the risk assessment of insects as novel foods.

IPIFF introduced the activities of the organisation and provided an overview of the current status in Europe and perspectives on the use of insects as food. The presentation also included an overview of the scientific activities carried out by IPIFF and feedback on the experience from IPIFF’s members that have submitted dossiers to EFSA in the context of the Novel Food Regulation.

EFSA provided a general overview of the issues encountered so far during the suitability check and the risk assessment of dossiers for applications of insects as novel foods. In particular the presentation focused on scientific and technical aspects that are pertinent to novel food dossiers related to insects.

The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere and marks an important step in the dialogue among the parties.