AAFCO approves dried mealworm meal for adult dog food
Insect producer Ÿnsect is the first company to receive authorization to commercialize mealworm proteins in the US.
For the first time, the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has approved the use of mealworms, specifically defatted Tenebrio molitor meal (dried mealworm meal), in adult dog food.
AAFCO’s Executive Director, Austin Therrell, tells GlobalPETS that “anyone who meets the ingredient definition could distribute the new ingredient” as alternative protein and fat sources.
According to Ÿnsect, this approval will enable the company to accelerate its development and strengthen its position as a key player for pet food industry professionals. “We are preparing to deliver our first pet food customers from our Amiens farm.” Shankar Krishnamoorthy, CEO of Ÿnsect.
GlobalPETS learned that there are currently no other similar pending AAFCO authorizations.
6-month trial
AAFCO granted the authorization after a comprehensive 6-month trial concluded that the insect product was safe and offered high nutritional benefits as a substitute for traditional animal proteins.
“This study ensured the safety of a diet containing up to 30% mealworm proteins. It also demonstrated a very high level of protein digestibility, exceeding 80%, in line with industry professionals’ recommendations,” says Ÿnsect. The company believes the official journal publication in a few weeks “will validate the rigorous process” used by the American authorities.
The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) scientific committee also provided a favorable opinion on the matter last October.
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