Milestone on the road to insect-enriched pet food

The International Platform of Insects for Food and Feed (IPIFF) is celebrating a milestone now that the European Commission (EC) has officially recognized the IPIFF Good Hygiene Practices for European Union Producers of Insects as Food and Feed guidance document.

Benefits of insects for pet food

By helping producers navigate regulatory requirements, the document offers a robust framework for incorporating insect-based ingredients into food and feed products – including pet food – as a way of meeting the growing demand for sustainable and nutritious products.

As highlighted in the document, insect proteins have significant environmental and nutritional advantages in human food, animal feed and pet food production.

Insects such as black soldier fly larvae and yellow mealworms are nutrient-rich, containing high levels of essential amino acids, healthy fats and micronutrients, which make them ideal for pet diets. They also offer high digestibility rates of up to 90%.

Insect-based processed animal proteins (PAPs) are particularly well-suited for use in pet food, meeting not only the nutritional needs of pets but also aligning with the EU’s sustainability objectives.

The European Green Deal’s goals to reduce emissions and promote circular agricultural systems make insect-based solutions an increasingly attractive option for producers, with the industry registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 25%.

Consumer preferences drive growth

The European insect pet food market has seen a significant upsurge in recent years. IPIFF attributes this to several factors, notably the nutritional profile of insect-enriched products, their sustainability credentials and their natural origin.

Pet owners are increasingly looking for alternatives that reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring optimal health for their pets.

This trend creates significant opportunities for producers to incorporate insect proteins as a premium, eco-friendly ingredient in their products.

In view of this growth, IPIFF identified the need for a guidance document that informs producers about how to adhere to EU food and feed production standards and requirements.

A roadmap for pet food producers

The IPIFF guidance document provides detailed best practices for producing, processing and using insect proteins for food and feed, including pet food.

This includes the critical role of robust food and feed safety management systems in the production of insect-based proteins.

The document also contains practical advice for ensuring hygiene, cleanliness, safety, traceability and effective controls across the entire production chain to prevent contamination.

The document focuses on compliance with key EU requirements, including regulations such as the Animal ByProducts Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1069/2009), the General Food Law, and Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 on feed hygiene, which mandates the implementation of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles.

This systematic approach helps producers identify, evaluate and control potential hazards at all stages of production.

By following these principles, insect producers can develop ingredients and products that can safeguard the health of pets, ensure consumer confidence and meet stringent EU regulatory standards.

Compliant processing methods

Processing techniques are essential to ensure the safety, quality and nutritional value of insect-derived ingredients by stabilizing the insect raw material, improving its digestibility and enhancing its nutritional profile.

Therefore, the IPIFF guidance document provides detailed insights into the processing methods used for insects intended for consumption.

Common processing methods include drying, which reduces moisture content to prevent microbial growth, and grinding, which transforms whole insects into powders or meals suitable for incorporation into pet food formulations.

Additionally, fat extraction is often applied to separate oils, further refining the ingredient’s nutritional composition.

The guidance document emphasizes that these processes must be conducted in compliance with the EU’s hygiene standards to guarantee safety across the production chain.

Post-production processes For ease of use, the IPIFF guidance document also provides a detailed breakdown of the storage, packaging, labeling and transport operations requirements for producers of insect-enriched food, including those importing from outside the EU.

The document emphasizes the importance of transparency in labeling and communication to end customers. This complements the IPIFF Guide on Good Labelling Practices for Insect-based Feed Materials published on 27 June last year.

By upholding good labeling practices and appropriately communicating the benefits of insect-based ingredients, pet food producers can build trust and loyalty among environmentally conscious consumers, as well as empowering them to make informed choices about the pet food they buy.

Building confidence through clarity

The EC’s recognition of the IPIFF guidance document is a landmark moment for the insect industry, as it provides much-needed regulatory clarity.

By following the outlined standards and methods, producers of insect-based ingredients and pet food can now innovate confidently in this space.

The guidelines not only ensure compliance with EU rules, but also support pet food producers in delivering high-quality, innovative products.

As a result, consumers and their pets will be able to benefit from the nutritional and sustainability-related advantages of insect-based proteins.

Ensuring a future for insect proteins

As the pet food industry continues to evolve, the recognition of IPIFF’s guidance document underscores the growing importance of insect-based proteins in driving sustainability and innovation.

By adhering to the best practices outlined in the document, producers can position themselves at the forefront of this rapidly growing market, offering high-quality, sustainable options for pet owners across Europe.