Many people are surprised to learn that the US and many (most) other countries do not have a clearly defined regulatory framework for the use of insects as a food for people, or as feed for pets and livestock. Since our start, Little Herds has been in communication with regulatory agencies, from the local to the federal level, to better understand how to share this idea with the public transparently and honestly while still ensuring that the products we use are safe and wholesome.

We are seeking to establish recognized industry best-practices that are globally applicable, that companies can voluntarily adopt to provide consumer confidence in the safety and responsibility of this new industry. Drawing from guidance from the US Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, as well as regulatory agencies, experts and academics around the world, we are building a framework in lieu of, and in anticipation of, clearly defined and enforceable regulations to provide public confidence in the use of insects as food and feed. We want to make sure that these standards are both broadly applicable, but also strict enough to assure consumers and regulators as to the safety and wholesomeness of insect products.

Look for more information on this front in an upcoming Little Herds Ento-Blog post.