Safety of Acheta domesticus (house cricket) spray-dried powder as a Novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283.

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver an opinion on the safety of a spray-dried powder from house cricket (Acheta domesticus) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is intended as a whole food and for potential use as an ingredient in foods that can be consumed by the general population. The pilot-scale production process has been described in adequate detail. The Panel notes that the production process, as reported by the applicant, involves steps and practices which may have contributed to cross-contamination and batch-to-batch variability of certain microbiological parameters. The reported mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons content in the NF raised safety concerns. Phthalates were also detected in the NF, and due to the limited information provided on materials in contact with the NF, the source of this contamination cannot be determined. The Panel identified major issues related to the microbiological quality of the NF. High variability of total aerobic mesophilic counts and, in some cases, elevated counts of presumptive Bacillus cereus, yeasts and moulds were observed across batches. The Panel cannot conclude on these aspects based on the available evidence. Regarding specifications, the Panel considers that the proposed limits do not adequately capture the variability of the NF and are insufficient to ensure product safety. The Panel considers that consumption of the NF may trigger primary sensitisation to A. domesticus proteins. Allergic reactions may also occur in subjects allergic to crustaceans, mites and molluscs (cross-reactivity). Additionally, allergens from the feed may be present in the NF. The Panel concludes that the safety of the NF under the proposed uses and use levels cannot be established.