It's Now Legal To Sell Insects As Food In Switzerland

Insects are a healthful and sustainable protein, and now Switzerland has taken a big step to promoting insects as food, because as of May 1, 2017, it's now legal for groceries and supermarkets to sell insect-based food.

According to The Local, selling insects as food was previously only legal if the preparer or vendor had special authorization. Now, as of May 1, 2017, it is legal for supermarkets and other vendors to sell insects just like any other type of protein. The new rule applies to crickets, locusts, and mealworms, and it specifies that the bugs must still follow federal food safety regulations.

At least one big Swiss grocery chain is planning on taking advantage of the update. The Coop supermarket chain says that it plans to release a burger and meatballs made of mealworms, and another product made with flour made from crickets. That last one has not been specified yet.

"We are convinced that there is a real demand for this culinary specialty," a Coop spokesperson said.

If the meatballs and burgers do well, the grocery might start selling whole insects, too.