I am giving you a legislative update on my legislation HB 606 which requires notification to the consumer when food products contain cricket flour.
HB 606- Public Health - Food Products Containing Insect Flour - Labeling
The push to include this ingredient is becoming an agenda item for the WEF, the World Economic Forum. In the effort to reduce greenhouse gasses, traditional farming and raising meat have come under fire. The favored alternative is turning to insects for food. Despite allergy data, the European Union Approved cricket powder as a component of flour-based foods.
Canada has funded $8.5 million to expand cricket flour manufacturing. Aspire, the cricket powder manufacturing plant in Ontario, will produce 9000 metric tons of crickets for human consumption, and about 2 billion insects will be headed to the food supply.
While there may be many positive benefits to the addition of cricket flour as a sustainable protein source, consumers must be informed about the ingredients in any food product. For those with allergies or dietary restrictions, this could pose a serious health risk if they unknowingly consume something with an insect-based ingredient.
The bill had its hearing on February 28th. I am amending the bill to make it pertain to food prepared on-site, such as protein smoothies, to require a menu notification. Package labeling will potentially have to be another bill that will address interstate commerce. As the popularity of cricket flour increases, it is vital that consumers are aware of what is included in their food.
