Insect food you can trust.
Food Safety
Environmental Care
Social Compliance
ENTOTRUST seal on product packaging is the proof that the producer reached high quality and food safety, within local and international food requirements.
ENTOTRUST certification considers the whole product, through the production process, including the environmental footprint and the social compliance.
The program for insect food quality
We are an independent organization, certifying the quality of food and beverage products, containing edible insects. Certified products are safe and sustainable. The ENTOTRUST seal is assigned only to those products complying with strict requirements.
What drives us.
A world where edible insects will supply healthy food, making high value proteins accessible to a wider population with important environmental and social benefits.
Why we exist.
ENTOTRUST mission is to recognize worthy producers, nudging the people decision when buying innovative food. Working with our network to improve knowledge.
The principles.
The program, based on international food and sustainability standards, follows the principles of:
Integrity. Our organization is free from direct participation of producers and farmers.
Evidence. Solid scientific base with research partners.
Contribution. The input of all relevant stakeholders is highly valuable.
Additionally we participate in research on insects farming and processing. Want to take part? write us.
Producer
Tell about your quality.
We support producers to be unique and preferred.
Insect food trend is growing, with many farmers and manufactures entering the market. We confirm the quality of products and processes, through the ENTOTRUST audit. We advise for improvements, you gain consumers' trust.
ENTOTRUST is the international voluntary program to certify manufactures and farms. Newly certified producers.
Consumer
Eat good food.
We stand for consumers information and health.
In the growing offer of insect based food, it is difficult to discern "garage" products from consciously produced qualitative ones. ENTOTRUST logo on pack helps you to avoid surprises, potentially harmful.
ENTOTRUST seal on the packaging is the consumer reference to buy safe and high quality products.
News
Latest insect food approved by EFSA
The lesser mealworm assessed safe!
4th July 2022 marks another step into a wider use of alternative proteins as the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a positive assessment of Alphitobius diaperinus larva. The opinion of the scientific panel comprises the frozen and freeze-dried formulations of the lesser mealworm, whole or in form of paste or powder. This to be used as an ingredient to various food products such as cereal bars, pasta, meat imitates and bakery products. Full article here: EFSA Journal
Credits: EFSA, all rights reserved. .
Capture the great taste
Classic “meatballs” of future-proof meat
De Krekerij team - based in the Netherlands - believes in a world with a future-proof food system, where good food and health come together for everyone. That's why they developed the tastiest products from crickets and grasshoppers. Delicious and great to bite, high in protein, source of calcium, zinc and vitamin B12, all with a mini environmental impact. All the reason why they achieved the Entotrust certification. Chilled for highest quality, these “meatballs” are ready for pan or oven. Now available at LIDL in 420 stores. So no time to waste, capture the great taste. Read more.
Credits: De Krikerij, all rights reserved.
Superalimento
Aztec flair for modern proteins
OKUILLI means worm, in the ancient Nahuatl language of the Aztecs, and OPTIPROT is the company in Cuernavaca, Mexico, that developed large scale farming of Tenebrio molitor. But this is modern superfood: high in protein (53%) and nutritious with iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, omega 3 and 6, amino acids, free of chemicals and hormones. OPTIPROT achieved the ENTOTRUST certification for high quality, food safety and for the farming committed to environmental sustainability, utilizing for example only natural and organic products as feed. Optiprot.com
Credits: OPTIPROT, all rights reserved.
Healthier indulgence
The Italian treats that unite tradition and innovation
Fucibo chips are the first Italian product with insect flour, authorized by the European Community. An innovative baked corn snack, a familiar product to introduce consumers to edible insects. The insect content (Tenebrio molitor) is a source of proteins, iron, and vitamins and incredibly sustainable. For their high quality standards they achieved the Entotrust certification.
With less fats and carbohydrates, and more protein, you can indulge more often. Available in pizza and cheese flavours here.Credits: FUCIBO, all rights reserved.
One month challenge
Living on insect proteins daily, lunch and dinner
Would you eliminate, starting tomorrow, all traditional meat from your diet and replace it with insect proteins, every day? There are thousands of scientific evidences that insects are healthy and rich in nutrients, but Loredana H. wanted to prove it in person. As young scientist she decided to have insect food daily for one month. This experience eliminates any doubt. Read the interview.
Credits: ENTOTRUST, all rights reserved.
Save the planet... eat nachos
Food of the future certified
CRICK SUPERFOODS is the first company to produce insect based food in Ecuador. They wanted to make an impact re-inventing nachos with high content in cricket proteins. Good for people and good for the planet is the purpose of Francisca the energetic woman driving this successful team. They achieved the Entotrust certification for consistent high quality and sustainable practices. Two flavours (sea salt and chili) that consumers find irresistible, tasty and crunchy, while nutritionally balanced.
Credits: Crick Superfoods, cricksuperfoods.com
Entotrust confirmed very effective
Higher consumers' preference vs established certifications
Researches with consumers show that the Entotrust logo visible on packaging increases perceived food safety by 40% for the same product without certification label. Additionally, it performs better than widely known food certifications (e.g. Organic, Fairtrade, Bio) in direct comparison on the same product, for consumer purchase intention and visual appeal. We are extremely proud of this recognition, that validates our mission.
Credits: Entotrust team, field surveys collection.
Another insect is EU approved!
Locusta migratoria hits the market
The EU Commission in November 2021 authorised frozen, dried and powder forms of Locusta migratoria as a food (detail here).
Another achievement towards the wider adoption of insect based alternative proteins, thank to the application of the company Fair Insects located in the Netherlands. Albeit being an exclusive authorisation to "the applicant’s file for the sole use of the applicant” it does not prevent others from applying for the same novel food. Let’s stay tuned.Credits: EU Commission, 2021.
Australia one step ahead
A roadmap for strategic growth of the edible insects industry
Alternative proteins are flourishing, veggie is the low hanging fruit, but insect proteins in a wider number of countries become the real alternative and a cultural change.
We recommend the report by CSIRO, Australia’s national science organization, which identifies the challenges and opportunities for the Australian edible insect industry providing a detailed framework for all stakeholders. Australia is well positioned to contribute to the edible insect market with a tradition of agricultural innovation and bio-diversity. Download the report.Credits: CSIRO, Dr Rocio Ponce-Reyes, Dr Bryan Lessard.
Why social fairness in insect food?
Upcoming human rights rules
The EU is planning to introduce mandatory human rights due diligence regulations. Many governments will be serious about addressing working conditions in supply chains. The insect food industry must avoid the pitfall of other food chains. The new laws would require retailers to show that suppliers adopted social standards. Part of the ENTOTRUST audit is to verify also social fairness. Read the full article here.
Insect food approved by European FSA
Tenebrio molitor stated safe, finally
13 January 2021 can be considered a historical day in Europe for insect food. In fact, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) issued a positive assessment of Tenebrio molitor paving the way for a wider EU consensus, where some countries still ban its commercialization. Using insects in food is more than a trend, and the EFSA’s evaluation is essential for the policymakers who will decide for the wider EU authorization in the next months.
Credits: EFSA, all rights reserved. The EFSA Journal.
Certified macarons for retail!
Retailer Kaufland introduced since April insect-based food items
The German retailer started to introduce in Croatia a selection of insect food products, described as 'healthy, eco-conscious, and highly nutritious’ emphasising the sustainability dimensions.
Mealworm powder is the key ingredient of the biscuits line produced by MINUS FARM. The almond macarons, brown sugar speculoos and shortbread chocolate biscuits are Entotrust certified.
Credits: Virginie Mixe, co-founder. minusfarm.fr
Consumers prefer evident quality
54% of consumers look for reassurance on pack
Over the last years, and nowadays with stronger emphasis on food safety and "earth care", a certification on packaging, which is not an obscure code, gives value to the product in consumer's perception. Studies confirm that preference is given to those products carrying quality certifications. Such labels on packaging provide proof of marketing statements, gain visibility and purchase. Read the full article.
Credits: Mauro Bianchi, all rights reserved.
Eco-nutrition, certified
The central value of alternative food
Eco-nutrition is the concept supported by the IN Insect-Nutrition team. Their 100% cricket powder embodies the renovated value of food for human health, environmental defence and ethical consumption.
Now ENTOTRUST certified for its high quality and sustainable farming. It is an alternative protein naturally rich in fibres, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and B12 vitamin. Adaptable ingredient in daily diets, ready to eat or in preparations for bakery, fitness programs or gourmet inspiration.
Credits: IN Insect Nutrition, insectnutrition.mx.
Covid and food
Food itself is not a source of infection
With the hope of a definitive solution to the pandemic, good news is that the virus is not transmitted by food, both EFSA’s chief scientist, Marta Hugas and US FDA agree. This is valid also for insect-based foods, as confirmed by a recent review (Maciel-Vergara & Ros, 2017), when proper food handling and processing practices are applied. Stay healthy. Read the full article.
Credits: Entotrust team, all rights reserved.
Certified juices for vitality
Crickets are very rich in B12 vitamin
The Danish team Syngja developed natural juices, with organic fruits, vegetables, and cricket powder. The refreshing and tasty shots, available in 3 flavours, offer an everyday boost for vitality and energy. The cricket powder and its B12 content constitute a key element for human health. The newly achieved Entotrust certification confirms safety, health and low environmental footprint.
Credits: Jakob Rukov founder. Syngja.dk
Summit for food innovation. UK
New thinking. Game changing. Future making.
Entotrust is official supporter of the Food Matters Summit, first event of its kind in the UK, connecting organisations across the food supply chain, bringing together disruptive innovators and multinational companies. Carefully curated content will be delivered by a cast of 100 international speakers. Themes include:
- The food revolution: feeding 10 billion people sustainably
- Tomorrow's innovation: defining the future of nutrition and food systems
- Feeding the future: how disruption is changing the food industry
Visit: www.foodmatters.co.uk Join the event ask for the ENTOTRUST member pass.
Certified, front runner Canadian farm
Earth preservation through alternative proteins
Since 2014, Entomo Farms has been developing large scale cricket farming. The protein powder is for B2B and for end consumers. Entomo Farms is the largest scale farm of crickets in North America.
They choose Entotrust to confirm their high standards of food safety and environmental sustainability. Entotrust certifies the whole chain from farm to fork, as a guarantee for consumers and in recognition of high quality food products..
Credits: Kelly Hagen, COO. Entomofarms.com
Insetec 2019, Brazil
Production technologies, environment and nutrition.
November 6th-8th. Entotrust joins the first Brazilian conference on edible insects, originated by ASBRACI and the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). In the agenda: Ethno-Entomology, Entomoculture and Technologies (production, management, environment and techniques of processing, scale and associated biotechnologies); Food and Feed (quality and composition, storage and conservation); Market and Legislation.
Credits: INSETEC.
Zophobas for haute cuisine. Certified
The starred chefs choice in Mexico
ZOFO is the brand name of oven dried and naturally spiced Zophobas morio developed by Chikle Project in Mexico. Available in 3 flavors and a unique salt mix, it is produced in the first Cancun insects farm already operating at scale, and recently ENTOTRUST certified. The chefs professional community already recognized outstanding taste and inspiration, while ENTOTRUST confirmed food safety and operations sustainability.
Credits: Andre Demontigny, Managing Director. zofo.mx
Research presented at Insecta 2019, Germany
Entotrust collaboration on insects authenticity
The food technology lab of Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Italy, presented the poster at the INSECTA 2019 expert conference in Potsdam, 5-6 September 2019. The pilot study, still ongoing, is aimed at evaluating the possibility of applying DART-HRMS to insect powder for authenticity purposes and it is carried out in collaboration with the Entotrust network. Entotrust was also sponsor of the conference. Download
Credits: Simone Belluco, IZSdV, all rights reserved.
Certified crickets under the baobab
Food security goes with wildlife future
Madagascar’s biodiversity is threatened by the rising demand for food, farming and wild lemur hunting, nowadays only 10% of natural habitat remains. But, how to cope with the world’s fourth highest rate of malnutrition? The IPSIO group of experts, Insects and People of the Southwest Indian Ocean, developed in the last 2 years a program to farm local insects for food purposes. ENTOTRUST contributed assessing the farm and processes, providing recommendations and certification of the key product: cricket protein powder. The Valala Farm is located in the Madagascar Biodiversity Center, Antananarivo.
A Malagasy proverb speaks “Valala iray hifanapahana” I have only one cricket but I will break it in half to share.
Credits: Brian Fisher coordinator. ipsio.org
Certified cricket... crackers
UK firm innovates ubiquitous US bread
Four flavours crackers by Cricke' have achieved the ENTOTRUST certification. The reengineered flat bread offers a contemporary and versatile source of protein. Assessed safe and sustainable, they scored utmostly low GHG emissions, 0,12 kg/year CO2. Check the co-founder video >
Credits: Edoardo Imparato, co-founder. crickefood.com
Certified caterpillars
Great nutrients and taste available all year
Fasopro, the shea-tree caterpillars manufacturer achieved the Entotrust certification. Based in Burkina Faso, with the mission to create a source of income for rural women involved in the seasonal collection, thus allowing the availability of this tasty and nutritious food all the year. The products and processes, from collection to packaging, have showed to be safe and highly sustainable.
Credits: Kahitouo Hien, founder and GM. fasopro.bf
Certified Chapulines from Mexico
Millenary tradition encounters new food habits
Merci Mercado achieved the ENTOTRUST certification for food safety and sustainability. The wild collection of seasonal grasshoppers respects insect lifecycle, and allows local population to gain a fair extra income. A responsible product that truly matches tradition, nutritional richness and taste. Check the co-founder video >
Credits: Nahabi V. and Laurence H. mercimercado.com
Prevention through insects
Antioxidants groundbreaking new study
Eating insects may be recommended for cancer prevention. An Italian study demonstrated that insects contain high concentrations of antioxidants. Prof Mauro Serafini reports that "in the future, we might adapt dietary regimens for insect rearing in order to increase their antioxidant content”.
Credits: University of Teramo, M.S., all rights reserved.
Certified Molitor!
2019 starts with safe & sustainable MOLITOR
The Minusfarm Molitor comes from a responsible farm that has been independently certified to the ENTOTRUST quality standards. This insect food has met the ENTOTRUST food safety and sustainability requirements for farming and manufacturing. See here the video >
Credits: Virginie Mixe, co-founder. minusfarm.fr
More light on nutritional composition
Wild harvested insects study. 2018
We recommend this new study regarding wild harvested edible insects. With potential to contribute to nutrition security, yet the nutritional composition is often unknown. The study investigated the nutritional composition of wild harvested Eulepida mashona and Henicus whellani and its variation in different harvest places.
Credits: Faith A. Manditsera, Pieternel A. Luning, V. Fogliano, C.M.M. Lakemond.
First certified functional drink
Innovation from silkworm peptides
Avaento is the company that developed the first beauty drink with silkworm peptides, Chrys Mei. The birth of this drink is the combination of traditional farming of silkworms and the latest food technologies. Rigorous processes and consistent quality are confirmed by ENTOTRUST.
Credits: Avaento Inc., Zilu Wan.
Read on insects sustainability
Edible Insects in Sustainable Food Systems. 2018
The book takes a multi-disciplinary approach to analysing how insects contribute to food systems around the world. Includes unique research on multiple countries. Features state-of-the-art research on farmed, semi-cultivated and wild insect species.
Springer Publishing. Editors: Halloran, A., Flore, R., Vantomme, P., Roos, N.
Future Food Vision
Growing population calls for new options
As we struggle to feed our growing population, here is how the champions of technology are going to shape our food. A short tutorial explaining nutrition alternatives and applied sciences.
Credits: Astrolabe, all rights reserved.
ENTOTRUST PROGRAM | TERMS & CONDITIONS. These Terms and Conditions govern submissions and participation to the ENTOTRUST Program. By making any submission to the Program, you agree that you will be legally bound by these Terms and Conditions. The promoter of the Program is ELYTRA (hereinafter referred to as “ELYTRA”), with its offices in Milan, Italy. ENTOTRUST is a fully owned program by ELYTRA. 1. What this T&Cs regulate? ENTOTRUST program and website are targeted at entrepreneurs and start-ups in the Insect Food business and is open to individuals aged 18 or over at the date of entry and to companies whose business is legally valid in the respective country of activity (hereinafter called “Applicant”). The application to the program is conditioned upon the Applicant’s agreement to these terms and conditions (“Terms and Conditions”). By participating, each Applicant agrees to abide by these ENTOTRUST terms & conditions and the subsequent decision of the Assessment Team (as defined below), which shall be final and binding in all respects relating to the Program. ELYTRA and ENTOTRUST Privacy Policy applies. 2. What is the ENTOTRUST PROGRAM about? The purpose of the Program is to support quality insect food producers and insect farmers, while informing consumer decision and ultimately driving a wider adoption of insect food as alternative source of more sustainable proteins for human consumption. ENTOTRUST Program offers Applicants the opportunity to be certified against the ENTOTRUST protocols for Food Safety, Environmental and Social sustainability, in doing this the Applicant after submitting product samples and being audited, receives reports and recommendation for improvements when necessary. The Applicant that successfully passes the assessment against the ENTOTRUST scheme is certified and will be licensed the use of ENTOTRUST seal in his product packaging and general communication materials. Yearly product reviews and checkpoint interviews will define the eligibility of the Applicant to continue using the ENTOTRUST logo. ELYTRA´s areas of interest with regards to the Program are based but not limited on the following fields: insect food products manufacturing, insect ingredients processing and transformation, insect farming, assessment, advisory and divulgation services. The assessment phase (lab analysis and premises audit) will be billed according to the “ENTOTRUST Program contract”; if the assessment is successful the Licensing of the ENTOTRUST seal will be signed with funding fees indicated in the “ENTOTRUST Licensing contract”. The ENTOTRUST independent team of experts will review all applications and audit results. The laboratory analysis of food products and premise audits are done by accredited third party labs and auditors. Decisions of the Assessment Team are final and may be made in its absolute and sole discretion. ELYTRA reserves the right to not certify Applicant’s product or premises, if they do not match the ENTOTRUST defined protocol. No details of the deliberations on individual applications will be revealed to the public. All results of lab analysis and audit are under NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) that must be signed by the Applicant within the “ENTOTRUST Program contract”. 3. How to apply? Applications to the Program can only be made by contacting ELYTRA via the ENTOTRUST web site mail form, email or direct phone line. After initial contact and information exchange the application form and contracts must be signed, prior to any activity being initiated by ELYTRA. Once an application has been submitted, it cannot be modified in any way and ELYTRA will not be responsible for any incomplete applications or applications not received, not recognized, not accepted for any reason or delayed. No fees shall be payable to Applicants in relation to their application. All related costs/time off will be at the sole and absolute responsibility of the Applicant. Applicant represents and warrants that: (i) he/she has the right to submit the application, (ii) all information provided as part of the application is true, complete and not misleading, and (iii) he/she has read, understands and agrees to these Terms. Applicant will retain all rights in and to Product, including, without limitation, all intellectual property rights; however, Applicant must not and agrees not to disclose any information confidential to or a trade secret of the Applicant or any third party. Applicant must declare any conflict of interest (whether actual or potential), such as existing investment by companies which compete with any of the ELYTRA activities, or presence on the management of individuals who may have such a conflict. Applicant acknowledges and agrees that: (i) ELYTRA has wide access to ideas, designs, protocols, methodologies and ideas for products, and that new ideas for products are constantly being submitted to it; (ii) many of those products may be competitive with, similar to, or identical to Applicant’s Product; (iii) ELYTRA will not refrain from developing or authorizing another to develop any products, concepts, systems or techniques that may be similar to Applicant’s Product always in line with existing laws, trademarks or other protected IPs of the Applicant; and (iv) Applicant will not be entitled to any compensation as a result of the introduction by any company, in or out the ENTOTRUST network, of any similar product that has or may come to any such company from other sources. 4. When an Applicant is ENTOTRUST certified? Positively assessed Applicants will receive the certification and will be notified by email and/or telephone and will have seven working days to respond to notification, and then to follow up as agreed. Applicants not yet positively certified may not make any public statement regarding the ENTOTRUST certification without the prior written consent of ELYTRA). 6. GENERAL CONDITIONS Applications generated by script, macro or other automated means or by any means which subvert or tamper with the submission process are void. Persons who tamper with or abuse any aspect of the Program or who are in violation of these Terms, as solely determined by ELYTRA, will be disqualified. ELYTRA reserves the right at its sole discretion to suspend, modify or terminate the Program. A fail by ELYTRA to enforce any one of the terms and conditions in any instance(s) will not give rise to any claim or right of action by any Applicant, nor shall it be deemed to be a waiver of any of ELYTRA’s rights in relation to the same. Except as specifically set out herein and to the maximum extent permitted by law, all conditions, warranties and representations expressed or implied by law are hereby excluded. To the fullest extent permitted by law, ELYTRA hereby excludes and shall not have any liability to any Applicant in connection with or arising out of the Program howsoever caused, including for any costs, expenses, damages and other liabilities, provided that nothing herein shall operate so as to limit or exclude ELYTRA’s liability for personal injury or death caused by its negligence. For detailed conditions on ENTOTRUST program assessment procedures, ELYTRA professional services and ENTOTRUST licensing this Terms and Conditions are strictly linked-to and complemented by the respective contracts, named as follows: “ENTOTRUST MOU Collaboration agreement contract”; “ENTOTRUST Program contract”; “ENTOTRUST Licensing contract”. In the event that any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be illegal, invalid, void or otherwise unenforceable, it shall be severed from the remaining provisions which shall continue in full force and effect. These Terms and Conditions shall be construed in accordance with the laws of Italy, jurisdiction shall be the Arbitrato of Milan.