The use of the “whole, dried insect in the form of snacks” and its use as an ingredient in other products “is safe under the proposed uses and use levels”, a panel established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded.

However, the panel also noted that the insects – which are “high in protein” – could provoke an allergic reaction in some consumers, suggesting mealworm products would have to come with a warning label.

The scientific opinion was issued under the EU Novel Food Regulation, which came into effect in 2018 and governs the regulation of food that was not commonly consumed in the EU before May 1997.

Giovanni Sogari, a social and consumer researcher at the University of Parma, said: “There are cognitive reasons derived from our social and cultural experiences, the so-called ‘yuck factor’, that make the thought of eating insects repellent to many Europeans.”

However, he added: “With time and exposure such attitudes can change.”