EU legislation currently only allows insects only to be sold in small amounts as a novel food or to the hobby pet market (birds, reptiles, etc.). Efforts are being made by ipiff, Venik, and other organizations to effect changes in the law. The European Commission is paying special attention to the result of the EC-funded research project PROteINSECT.
Current production methods are too labor-intensive to be competitive in the feed market. A professional, fully automated facility is necessary to reduce costs.
There are two issues here. One is pet owner acceptance of insects or insect protein in pet food. The other is the addition of insect or insect protein to poultry, livestock, or aquaculture feed. In addition to changes in legislation, the public will also need to be assured of the benefits and safety of insects.
Most of the western population does not appear ready to include whole insects in their diets. However, media and education will play an important role in slowly changing attitudes. For example, not long ago, shrimp and sushi were not welcome in the Dutch diet; over time, though, attitudes towards these foods have changed.
Insects fed on organic waste streams are cheaper to produce. Keeping feed costs down will be key to being competitive in the pet food, poultry, livestock, and aquaculture markets.