Regulatory changes are being considered in the UK to allow the food industry to utilize insects for converting food waste into animal feed. Scientists believe that this untapped method, known as insect bioconversion, has the potential to improve sustainability across the supply chain. Currently, food waste often ends up in landfills, contributing to harmful greenhouse gas emissions. However, insect bioconversion can significantly reduce waste volumes and associated emissions by 50 to 75%, according to research commissioned by the Food Standards Agency and conducted by Fera Science.
Fera Science, located in the York Biotech Campus, has taken on a research project involving four different food industry waste streams: catering waste from Nando’s restaurants, mixed food waste from Morrisons supermarkets, bakery waste from Cranswick, and poultry manure from Oakland Farms. In addition to reducing environmental impact, the process of insect bioconversion can create valuable new revenue streams for businesses. The harvested larvae can be used to produce insect protein, oils, and chitin, while the waste produced during the bioconversion process, known as frass, has potential as a soil improver and fertiliser.
However, there are regulatory bottlenecks that restrict the widespread use of insect bioconversion in the food industry. Currently, only materials containing non-animal products and some animal by-products are permitted for use as waste streams for breeding and feeding insects. Insects are classified as “farmed livestock,” and the protein generated from their larvae is not approved for processing and use in the feed chain. However, the FSA research project aims to widen the waste streams that can be used for insect bioconversion, and a risk assessment will be conducted to determine the feasibility of regulatory changes. The final report is expected to be submitted by Fera to the FSA by the end of 2023.
The potential of insect bioconversion has garnered interest from companies participating in Fera’s research project. George Roach of Oakland Farms sees this innovation as an opportunity to reduce reliance on imported soybean meal and create a more nutrient-dense fertilizer. Nando’s Head of Sustainability, Sam McCarthy, believes this project could provide a productive and sustainable solution for waste streams and potentially transform their chicken feed. Morrisons’ Technical and Sustainability Director, Sophie Throup, highlights their initiative to use food waste for black soldier fly larvae, which are then fed to laying hens to remove the need for soy in their diet. All partners involved in the project emphasize the importance of conducting a thorough investigation to assess potential risks and ensure the safe use of waste streams in the food and feed chain.
This collaborative effort between industry, academia, and the FSA will provide valuable data to inform policy development and review. By exploring the potential of insect bioconversion and addressing regulatory barriers, the food and beverage industry can embrace sustainable practices, reduce waste, and unlock new opportunities for revenue generation.
