The point is narrow. EFSA Journal 2026;24(9):e9946 (DOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2026.9946), adopted on 28 January 2026 and published on 25 September 2026, assesses the spray-dried powder for which Alia Insect Farm società agricola S.r.l. applied on 5 April 2023 under Article 10 of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The Panel cannot establish safety. Commission Implementing Regulations (EU) 2022/188 and 2023/5 stay in force for other forms of the species.
What was assessed
The novel food falls under Article 3(2)(a)(v) of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The pilot process includes micronisation and spray-drying. Droplets meet hot air at 180–200°C for less than 5 seconds. The powder contains less than 5% moisture. The Panel found that these heating steps have not been shown to control microbiological hazards. For most parameters at least five independently produced batches were analysed, not always the same set. Identity was confirmed by PCR. The applicant also requested data protection under Article 26.
Five batches
| Parameter | Batches 1–5 (g/100 g) | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Crude protein | 57.50; 57.00; 57.50; 59.10; 60.90 | Kjeldahl, N × 6.25 |
| True protein | 46.53; 45.15; 45.41; 48.54; 49.79 | anhydrous amino acids |
| Total fat | 28.50; 29.50; 29.10; 27.30; 26.20 | gravimetric |
| Chitin (gravimetric) | 8.12; 8.99; 10.33; 6.92; 8.61 | Huang & Tsai, 2020 |
The gap between crude and true protein comes from non-protein nitrogen, including chitin. Proposed specifications do not capture batch variability and are insufficient to ensure safety. Total aerobic mesophilic counts varied widely. Some batches showed elevated counts of presumptive Bacillus cereus, yeasts and moulds. Mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons raised safety concerns. Phthalates were detected, and limited information on contact materials means the source cannot be determined. Consumption may cause primary sensitisation to A. domesticus proteins and cross-reactions in people allergic to crustaceans, mites and molluscs. Feed allergens may carry over.
Authorised forms versus this application
| Material | Basis | Safety outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen, dried and powder forms | NDA opinion of 7 July 2021; Regulation (EU) 2022/188 | safe under proposed uses; listed |
| Partially defatted powder | NDA opinion of 23 March 2022; Regulation (EU) 2023/5 | safe under proposed uses; listed |
| Another A. domesticus powder | NDA opinion of 26 June 2024 | safe under proposed uses |
| Spray-dried powder (Alia Insect Farm) | e9946, published 25 September 2026 | safety cannot be established |
Glossary
- Novel food
- Food within Article 3 of Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 that was not used for human consumption to a significant degree in the Union before 15 May 1997. Authorisation means an entry on the list in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470.
- Opinion versus authorisation
- An EFSA opinion is a risk assessment. Authorisation or refusal belongs to the Commission and the Member States.
- Crude protein (N × 6.25)
- A conversion of total nitrogen. Chitin inflates it relative to the amino-acid sum.
What an operator should do
- Check whether the batch sits inside Regulation (EU) 2022/188 or 2023/5. The spray-drying process in the Alia file does not inherit those entries.
- Do not read the negative opinion as a ban on the species.
- A further dossier would need microbiological control on real batches, specifications that capture variability, MOAH data and a source for the phthalates.
- A health claim still needs its own basis under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006.
Primary sources
- EFSA NDA Panel, EFSA Journal 2026;24(9):e9946. DOI 10.2903/j.efsa.2026.9946. Adopted 28 January 2026, first published 25 September 2026.
- Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/188.
- Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/5.