What are the current regulations on farming insects in the UK?
Black soldier fly larvae in the hand. Photograph: Entocycle
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.