News
18.08.2023 - Foods
AllergicReactionsAfterConsumingInsectsCurrentStateOfResearch
Since the approval of selected insect species as food in the European Union (2021), questions have arisen about potential allergic reactions when consuming them. To date, only a few cases of such reactions are known, but the scientific community is turning its attention to this issue. Especially the similarity of proteins in various insect species suggests that allergic reactions could be triggered.
The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) in Germany has so far not documented any serious allergic reactions associated with the consumption of insect-based foods. However, this assessment should be linked to the fact that the consumption of such products is still relatively uncommon.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommended in its assessments to further explore the allergenic potential of insect-based foods. Particularly people who are already allergic to crustaceans or house dust mites may be susceptible to similar reactions to insect-based foods, as the proteins involved are similar. Experts refer to this type of reaction as a "cross-reaction".
Previous findings on food allergies related to insects mainly come from East Asia, where the consumption of insects is already established. In contrast, there is limited data in Europe. Even the poisoning database of the BfR, which is based on voluntary reports, so far records only a few cases of health problems through the consumption of insect-based foods, apart from exceptions such as honey.
Allergic reactions to insect-based foods can range from skin rashes and itching to respiratory issues and potentially life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Nevertheless, it should be emphasized that the market for insect-based foods still represents only a small portion of the overall market. Therefore, the number of people consuming such foods is still limited. In the future, in-depth research will be necessary to comprehensively understand the health impacts.
Sources:
BfR Communication No. 029/2023 from June 27, 2023