Mealworms Now Sold as Food in EU

（单词翻译）

People across Europe many soon be able to buy dried yellow mealworms in food stores and in restaurants.

Earlier this month, the European Union's 27 nations approved a proposal to put Tenebrio molitor beetle¹ larva on the market as a "novel food."

The move came after the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) ruled the insect safe to eat.

Researchers described the mealworm as a protein-rich food. They said the larva can be eaten whole or crushed into small pieces for mixing with other foods.

People with allergies² to dust or shellfish -- such as crab³, lobster⁴, or clams⁵ -- may also be allergic⁶ to mealworms, the European Commission said.

Insects as food represent a very small market. However, EU officials said raising them for food could be good for the environment.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization calls insects "a healthy and highly nutritious⁷ food source" with high amounts "of fat, protein, vitamins, fibers⁸, and minerals."

Following the approval by EU states, a EU regulation authorizing⁹ dried yellow mealworms as a food will be coming soon.

Words in This Story

larva – n. a very young form of an insect that looks like a worm

novel – adj. new and not resembling something formerly¹⁰ known or used

allergy¹¹ – n. a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching¹², or breathing something that is harmless to most people

crustacean¹³ – n. technical : a type of animal (such as a crab or lobster) that has several pairs of legs and a body made up of sections that are covered in a hard outer shell

market – n. the available supply of or potential demand for specified goods or services