Tasting ground

Japanese startup Morus is looking to launch a range of silkworm-based products in Singapore, targeting high-end restaurants and consumers, as they are high-income and health conscious, said Ryo Sato, its chief executive.

Its products include a pure silkworm powder — which can be used as a food ingredient — along with matcha powder, protein powder and protein bars.

Given that Singaporean consumers do not have a history of consuming insects, Morus will also conduct more pop-up events and consumer workshops, Sato said.

Once it is able to scale up and reduce costs of production, Morus will start focusing on the mass market, he said.

The Singapore Food Agency said that those intending to import or farm insects for human consumption or livestock feed must meet its guidelines, which include providing documentary proof that the imported insects are farmed in regulated establishments with food safety controls and are not harvested from the wild.

Insects not on the agency's list of 16 will have to be evaluated to ensure that the species are safe for consumption, it said.

Companies selling pre-packed food containing insects will also have to label their packaging as such, so that consumers can make informed decisions on whether to purchase the product.

Insect products will also be subject to food safety testing. Those that do not meet agency standards will not be allowed for sale.

The Straits Times