What are the current regulations on farming insects in the UK?

Black soldier fly larvae in the hand. Photograph: Entocycle

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Introduction

The regulations around insect farming in the UK are evolving, influenced by both domestic policies and previous European Union (EU) guidelines. Generally, insect farming falls under the category of primary production, which includes activities that raise or produce animals for feed, food, or other products. This article aims to explore the current framework while also answering some frequently asked questions from industry stakeholders and newcomers looking to enter the exciting and growing UK market.

Who regulates the UK insect farming industry?

Several government bodies and agencies in the UK regulate the insect farming industry, depending on the insect's intended use (e.g., animal feed, human food, waste management).

Key regulatory bodies include:

• The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is the central government department. It is responsible for broader agricultural and environmental regulations, including waste management and the sustainability aspects of insect farming.

• The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) oversees the use of insects in animal feed, ensuring they comply with UK animal feed regulations and do not pose biosecurity risks.

• Trading Standards ensure compliance with food labelling, feed safety, and consumer protection laws.

• The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) oversees workplace safety, particularly regarding biosecurity, pest control, and handling of organic waste.

• The Environment Agency (EA) regulates waste management and environmental impact, including permits for using organic waste as insect feed.

• Food Standards Agency (FSA) regulates the use of insects as food for human consumption, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, hygiene regulations, and novel food approvals.

Different regulations may apply depending on your farm’s activities (e.g. manufacturing for animal feed or pet food vs. human consumption).

What insect species can I farm in the UK?

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Credit: Entocycle

According to the statutory guidance issued by DEFRA and APHA, processed animal protein (PAP) derived from farmed insects, intended for the production of aquaculture feed, fur animal feed, pet food, and technical use may only be produced from the following insect species:

• black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

• common housefly (Musca domestica)

• yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor)

• lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus)

• house cricket (Acheta domesticus)

• banded cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus)

• field cricket (Gryllus assimilis)

What license or permits do I need to farm insects?

In the UK, insect farming is generally classified under primary production, aligning with operations producing or rearing animals for feed, food, or other derived materials. This classification subjects insect farms to specific standards and regulations to ensure safety and quality in the production process.

Insect farms must register as Feed Business Operators and/or primary producers with the local Trading Standards office if it supplies, uses or handles animal feed. This applies to:

• all animal feed production businesses

• all pet food manufacturers

• all sizes of business, from small-scale home producers to large factories

If the farm uses animal by-products as feed, they must also register with APHA.

What materials can I use as a feedstock for rearing insects?

In the UK and European Union, insects are considered ‘farmed animals’ – which means that the feedstuff used in insect farming has to follow the safety standards applied to other farmed animals, such as chickens or pigs. Therefore, insects used in food and feed applications cannot currently be fed with catering waste or animal manure.

The substrate for the feeding of insects intended for processing into PAP may only contain products of non-animal origin (permitted examples include brewers’ grains, dairy by-products or vegetable by-products) or the following products of animal origin of Category 3 material:

• fishmeal

• blood products from non-ruminants

• di-and tricalcium phosphate of animal origin

• hydrolysed proteins from non-ruminants

• hydrolysed proteins from hides and skins of ruminants

• gelatine and collagen from non-ruminants

• eggs and egg products

• milk, milk based-products

• milk-derived products and colostrum

• honey

• rendered fats

What animals can I feed insects to?

A salmon farm in Scotland. Insect protein has been permitted to be used in aquaculture feed since 2017.

In the UK, while insect-derived PAP (Processed Animal Protein) is permitted in pet food and aquaculture feed, its use in poultry and pig feed remains under review, with a public consultation currently open. As of January 2025, UK ministers are considering lifting the BSE-era ban on using animal remains, including insect-derived PAP, in chicken and pig feed to support British farmers and align with EU standards practices.

However, feeding live insects to chickens and pigs is permissible. According to guidance from DEFRA, while dead insects are prohibited in animal feed, this ban does not extend to live insects, insect fats, and oils.

Feeding live insects to chickens and pigs is permitted in UK and EU law.

Conclusion

The regulatory environment for insect farming in the UK, particularly regarding their use in animal feed and pet food, is experiencing significant changes. While current regulations allow insect-derived proteins in pet food and aquaculture, discussions are ongoing to expand this to include poultry and pig feed. These developments indicate a broader shift towards sustainable and innovative practices in the food and feed industries, balancing safety, environmental, and economic considerations.

If you’d like help navigating the often complex world of permits and regulations for your insect facility, which can differ substantially depending on where you are located and which markets you serve, contact our experienced and friendly team for more information.

How does insect farming work?

An entomology technician inspects larvae in an Entocycle Growth Unit. Credit: Entocycle

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Introduction

Insect farming is the process of raising insects for animal feed, pet food or other uses such as fertiliser and bio-based materials. It’s gaining popularity due to its environmental benefits, high protein yield, and efficiency compared to traditional livestock farming.

Commonly farmed insects include mealworms, crickets, and superworms; however, this guide focuses on the most widely farmed insect species worldwide – the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens). Due to their high feed conversion ratio, rapid life cycle, and ability to efficiently convert a diverse range of organic waste into protein, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have become the preferred choice for large-scale insect protein production, with the sector projected to reach £4bn by 2033.

The black soldier fly farming process. Credit: Entocycle

The black soldier fly (BSF) production process

Commercial-scale BSF farming demands careful attention to various production stages to ensure efficiency and maximise yields. These stages reflect the fly’s natural life cycle and should support its biology and natural behaviours. This guide covers six key process areas of BSF production.

1. Feed Preparation

Feed preparation is essential for optimising BSFL growth and maximising conversion efficiency. BSF larvae can consume a variety of organic waste materials, and in principle, any form of organic matter can be used, subject to availability, cost, and regulatory restrictions. In the UK, currently permitted waste streams include brewers’ grains, dairy by-products, and vegetable by-products, while in other parts of the world, the allowable inputs are broader, with household food waste and animal manure often used as a substrate.

Despite BSF larvae's wide-ranging appetite, proper feedstock selection and preparation significantly influence their growth rate, yield, and nutritional composition.

Depending on the feedstock obtained, contaminants may need to be sorted and removed from the waste, and the feedstock may be treated using heat or fermentation to eliminate any pathogens that could be present and pose a risk to the larvae.

The larvae prefer fine to medium-sized particles to digest the material and enhance nutrient absorption. Therefore, the feedstock may need to be chopped or macerated to achieve the correct consistency. To ensure digestibility, the moisture content of the feedstock should be approximately 70%, so water may need to be added or, in some cases, evaporated to reach this level.

2. Larvae Dosing

Once the feed is prepared, it is then distributed evenly into crates. Neonates or 5-day-old larvae are then properly dosed onto the substrate contained within each crate to ensure even distribution and optimal growth.

Different approaches to dosing the larvae exist in the insect industry.

A conventional method involves operators counting a small sample, determining the average weight per neonate, and then using that data to roughly estimate larger populations by weighing. However, weighing can introduce errors due to variations in moisture content and individual larval weight differences. Inefficiencies in dosing and inconsistencies in larval populations can significantly affect feed conversion ratios (FCR)—a critical metric that determines the financial viability of a farm. Inaccurate estimates can lead to poor feed distribution, wasted resources, and potentially lost profits for operators.

A more contemporary method involves counting the number of neonates using an optical dosing machine equipped with a line-scan camera. Entocycle’s Entosight Neo employs machine vision technology to automate the counting and dosing of neonates into crates at a rate of 3000 per second. By tackling one of the most overlooked variables at the beginning of the production process, optical dosing technology can help unlock new levels of efficiency throughout the entire production system.

Entocycle’s industrial-scale facility design shows the distinct areas for Production, Breeding and Nursery stock. Credit: Entocycle

3. Larvae Growth

Once the crates have been accurately dosed to ensure an optimal feed level for the larvae, they are transported to the facility’s Larvae Growth area. The larval growth stage is where the majority of biomass conversion takes place, with larvae feeding voraciously and swiftly gaining weight. BSFL will gain approximately 5,000 times its body weight during this phase.

BSF larvae favour dark conditions, so keeping the growing trays covered or enclosed can enhance feeding activity. Climate control is crucial here, with a temperature of 27–32°C ideal for rapid growth and efficient digestion. An HVAC system provides consistent airflow and prevents the buildup of ammonia and other gases.

Depending on the type of facility, the Larvae Growth area may have several units dedicated to breeding and production and a nursery unit for housing neonates to 5-day-old larvae.

Typically, after 12 to 14 days, the larvae attain their maximum biomass and protein content, making them ready for harvest and processing into feed or pet food ingredients. Approximately 2% of the population is separated and permitted to enter the prepupal stage to become ‘Breeding Stock’ and repeat the breeding cycle.

4. Pupae Development

BSF larvae enter the prepupal stage after consuming sufficient nutrients, signalling their readiness to transform into adult flies. The pupation area should remain completely dark, mimicking natural conditions to encourage successful metamorphosis. Pupation lasts approximately 7 to 10 days, and once fully developed, adult flies emerge, prepared for the breeding cycle and ready to enter the Fly Rooms in search of a mate.

5. Breeding (Fly Stage)

Successful BSF reproduction is essential for ensuring a consistent supply of larvae for commercial operations. Once the adult flies emerge, they are moved to a designated area for breeding, where individual rooms or cages are populated with the flies to facilitate mating.

BSF mating necessitates bright light (natural sunlight or artificial UV light at 10,000–20,000 lux) and a room temperature of 27–30°C. The design of the fly room also plays a crucial role in promoting mating and consistent egg production. Key factors include optimising the fly density in each room to ensure sufficient surface area for the flies to rest, as well as strategically positioning egg traps to encourage females to lay their eggs. It may seem obvious, but happy, un-stressed flies produce more eggs, and by fine-tuning these factors, a facility can maximise reproductive output, thus ensuring a steady supply of neonates for the production process.

Egg traps are then collected and moved to another environmentally controlled location, typically called a hatchery, where the eggs hatch and the production cycle begins anew.

An entomologist holding a full egg trap. Credit: Entocycle

6. Product Processing

Once the larvae (from the production stock) have reached their maximum protein content, they are separated from the frass, which is primarily composed of insect excrement, and harvested for processing into feed or pet food ingredients. The larvae are cleaned to eliminate any leftover feed or debris and then swiftly terminated to minimise any potential suffering.

Depending on the extent of the post-processing facilities on site, larvae may be processed and packaged whole, then frozen for offtake or dried to reduce moisture content for long-term storage. Further processing may involve milling the dried larvae into a fine powder and extracting the oils or fats from them.

Whole BSFL is most commonly used in pet food, while protein meal and separated fats are frequently used in animal feed or aquafeed. The frass, rich in nitrogen and chitin, can be dried and packaged as an organic fertiliser to promote plant growth, subject to local regulations.

Whole frozen BSF larvae. Credit: Entocycle

Conclusion

Farming black soldier flies on a commercial scale demands careful management at every stage, from feed selection and preparation to product processing. Optimising these stages ensures high efficiency, maximum biomass yields, and profitable outputs. As the demand for low-carbon protein sources increases, BSF farming emerges as a promising and scalable solution for waste management and animal feed production.

By adhering to best practices in feed selection, environmental control, and processing techniques, commercial BSF farms can realise sustainable and profitable operations while contributing to a circular economy.

If you’re looking for expert guidance on planning, designing, and delivering commercial insect farms, get in touch with Entocycle. Our experienced team is here to provide comprehensive solutions to help you successfully establish and scale your BSF operation. Entocycle – your full-service build partner for commercial insect farms.

How does Entocycle ensure insect welfare?

Black soldier fly neonates under a microscope. Credit: Entocycle

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At Entocycle, we are committed to ensuring the welfare of all animals under our care, including insects. We recognise that insects, as living beings, deserve to be treated with respect and provided with conditions that promote their physical and general well-being. While having different requirements from animals, our insect welfare policy nonetheless focuses on Bramble’s Five Freedoms, which serve as the guiding principles for our practices.

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst

Our insects have access to a suitable diet to support their growth and vitality. Feeding schedules are carefully managed to manage and maximise their health and development.

2. Freedom from discomfort

We will provide insects with an environment that promotes their comfort and well-being. This includes appropriate temperature, humidity, and substrate to render an environment as close to its natural habitat as possible. Measures will be taken to prevent overcrowding and minimise stress.

3. Freedom from pain, injury, or disease

We are committed to preventing and treating any health issues that may arise among our insect populations. Regular checks will be conducted on the colony's health (e.g. survival rates), and improvements will be made as needed. Measures will also be implemented to minimise the risk of injury and disease transmission within the breeding facilities.

4. Freedom to express normal behaviour

Insects have natural behaviours and instincts that are essential for their well-being. We will ensure that breeding enclosures and management practices allow insects to engage in their species-specific behaviours as much as possible within the limits of our facilities.

5. Freedom from fear and distress

While research into the sentience of black soldier flies is limited, we will nonetheless seek to minimise factors that may cause discomfort. Handling procedures will be respectful, and breeding and growth environments will be designed to minimise exposure to potential threats. Any necessary transportation or relocation will be carried out with care to minimise stress or risk of injury.

Read our complete insect welfare policy here.

Who are Entocycle’s target customers?

A visualisation of a commercial-scale insect farm. Credit: Entocycle

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We offer solutions and services for:

• Insect companies looking to improve and optimise their existing operations or develop new facilities

• Waste management companies that want to utilise insects as a cost-effective and sustainable waste processing solution

• Farmers and food producers looking to valorise waste and diversify into new and fast-growing new markets

• Entrepreneurs looking to enter the rapidly growing insect industry

Why farm black soldier fly?

Hermetia illucens also known as the black soldier fly (BSF).

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Introduction

The black soldier fly (BSF), scientifically known as Hermetia illucens, is a common and widespread fly of the family Stratiomyidae. The insect species has increasingly been gaining significant attention due to its unique biological characteristics and potential applications in various fields including waste management, animal feed production and even as food for humans. Black soldier fly are considered by many to be nature’s apex recycler – a tiny yet robust insect perfectly designed to rapidly turn any organic waste into valuable protein. It’s for this reason black soldier fly is currently the most widely farmed insect species worldwide.

The species is native to the Neotropical region, but in recent decades has spread across all continents except Antartica, becoming virtually cosmopolitan and can commonly be found in Europe as far north as France.

The black soldier fly is aptly named for its dark, metallic appearance, with a shiny black exoskeleton that distinguishes it from other fly species. It typically measures around 16 to 18 millimetres in length as an adult, with large, membranous wings that enable it to fly short distances. Its body is segmented, featuring three distinct regions: the head, thorax, and abdomen. The head contains compound eyes, antennae, and mouthparts adapted for feeding. The thorax houses the muscles responsible for flight, while the abdomen harbours the digestive system and reproductive organs.

Upon close inspection, the black soldier fly has only one pair of fully formed wings much like other insects of the order name “Diptera”, which literally means “two wings” in Ancient Greek. In place of hindwings, it has a pair of modified wings called halteres which function as gyroscopes to detect body rotation, and the fly uses them to make corrections and re-stabilise itself during flight.

Another striking feature of the black soldier fly is the transparent “windows” found on its abdomen. It’s thought that this helps to complete their disguise as an organ pipe mud dauber wasp in a form of Batesian mimicry. From a distance, the see-through abdominal segments give the illusion of a narrow wasp-like waist. By mimicking the appearance of an aggressive predatory species, the harmless black soldier fly can successfully deter unwanted attention from other predators.

The black soldier fly life cycle

The black soldier fly life cycle. Credit: Entocycle

The life cycle of the black soldier fly consists of four main stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult fly. The process begins when adult female flies lay eggs in decaying organic matter, such as compost heaps, manure, or food waste. Each female can lay hundreds of eggs during her lifespan, typically depositing them in clusters.

Upon hatching, the larvae emerge as small and creamy-white in colour and have voracious appetites. They feed ravenously on organic material, breaking it down through microbial action and their own digestive enzymes. This feeding behaviour not only facilitates the decomposition process but also allows the larvae to accumulate nutrients essential for their growth and development.

Black soldier fly larvae in palm of hand. Photo: Entocycle.

As the larvae mature, they undergo several molts, shedding their exoskeletons to accommodate their increasing size. This growth phase lasts approximately two weeks, after which the larvae enter the pupal stage. During pupation, the larvae cease feeding and become immobile as they undergo metamorphosis. Within a few days, the pupae transform into adult flies, emerging from their pupal cases ready to reproduce and continue the life cycle.

The benefits of farming black soldier fly

Black soldier fly larvae offer a multitude of benefits that make them an excellent protein source for farmed animals and pets. Their ability to convert organic waste into high-quality protein, rapid growth rate, balanced nutritional composition, low environmental footprint, and contribution to the circular economy all contribute to their status as the perfect protein source.

An ideal protein source

The nutrient-rich larvae produced during the bioconversion process can be harvested and utilised as high-protein feed ingredients for livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and even pets. Studies have shown that black soldier fly larvae exhibit excellent growth rates and nutritional profiles, making them a cost-effective and low-carbon source of animal feed compared to conventional feed sources such as soybean meal or fishmeal. The dry weight of black soldier fly larvae contains up to 55% crude protein, up to 35% lipids and has an amino acid profile that is similar to that of fishmeal. In 2019, The British Veterinary Association (BVA) said some insect-based foods may be better for pets than prime steak.

Non-disease

One of the most significant advantages of farming black soldier flies rather than other insects is its inherent ability to prevent the spread of disease. Unlike crickets, which have been associated with the transmission of zoonotic diseases such as salmonella, black soldier flies pose minimal risk of disease transmission to humans or livestock. Their natural biology and feeding habits reduce the likelihood of harbouring and spreading pathogens, making black soldier fly larvae a safer option for use in feed and food production. Additionally, black soldier fly larvae have antimicrobial properties that help prevent the growth of pathogens in their environment.

Transform waste into resource

Black soldier fly larvae are not particularly fussy about what they eat, and so unlike crickets or mealworms, can be used to process a wide range of organic waste streams, including food waste such as spent beer grains or vegetable peelings, animal manure, and agricultural residues. This characteristic makes them excellent bioconverters, transforming organic waste that would otherwise go to landfills or into anaerobic digestion into valuable protein. By utilising black soldier fly larvae, the food and agricultural industry can significantly reduce waste and minimise its environmental impact.

Incredibly fast-growing

Black soldier fly larvae have an impressive growth rate, gaining between 5,000 – 7,000 times their initial body weight and reaching their full size within a short period, typically just 10 to 14 days. This rapid growth translates into a high production yield, allowing farm operators to obtain substantial amounts of protein in a relatively short time frame. Compared to traditional protein sources, such as soybeans or fishmeal, black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) can be produced at a significantly faster rate, using less land and resources, making them a highly efficient and scalable solution for protein production.

Black soldier fly pupae. Photo: Entocycle

Current legislation

The legislative landscape surrounding black soldier fly farming varies across different regions, posing challenges and opportunities for stakeholders in the industry.

The EU – Aquaculture, poultry, pig and pets

In 2017, the European Commission passed legislation authorising the use of processed animal protein from seven species of insects, including black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), as feed in aquaculture.

In 2021, the European Commission amended the Feed Ban Rules to permit the use of processed insect protein in poultry and pig feed under the same conditions as permitted for feeding aquaculture animals. The legislation acknowledges that poultry are insectivorous animals and porcine animals are omnivorous, and as such there are no concerns with insect protein as a feed material.

The UK – Aquaculture and pets

In the United Kingdom, the regulatory framework for BSF farming primarily falls under the jurisdiction of several government agencies, including the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Food Standards Agency (FSA), and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

In 2017, and with the UK still part of the EU, the European Commission legislation was adopted as part of GB domestic legislation to permit black soldier fly as feed in aquaculture.

The European Commission’s amendment to the Feed Ban Rules does not, however, take effect in GB as it was introduced after 31 December 2020, which means the feeding of insect protein to chicken and pigs remains prohibited in the UK (except as live larvae in chicken feed). It is expected, however, that GB legislation will be amended in the near future to permit the use of processed insect protein in poultry and pig feed.

Insects, including black soldier fly, can be used to make processed pet food under UK law, provided they don’t carry diseases that can be passed on to humans or animals.

In terms of permitted feedstocks for breeding black soldier fly in the UK, only materials that contain products of non-animal origin (such as vegetal matter, residue from fruit and vegetable processing and brewery by-products and some animal origin products such as milk) are allowed.

For more information regarding EU and UK legislation visit:

https://ipiff.org/insects-eu-legislation-general/

https://www.michelmores.com/agriculture-insight/insect-protein-animal-feed/