Doha, Qatar – In response to the European Union’s allowance, Qatar has implemented a ban on the incorporation of insects into food products.
The Qatari Ministry of Health announced on Friday that insect components did not meet the criteria for being considered halal, or permissible in Islamic dietary laws. Halal refers to foods that adhere to Islamic dietary regulations.
Citing regulations from the Gulf Cooperation Council, of which Qatar is a member, and the religious opinions of relevant authorities, the Ministry further clarified that the consumption of insects or substances derived from them is prohibited. This statement comes in light of the decisions made by “certain countries” to permit the utilization of insects in food, though the specific countries were not named.
In January, the European Commission granted approval for the utilization of larvae from grain beetles and a substance derived from house crickets in food production. Other insect components had previously received approval. Their usage must be clearly labeled on the final food products.
However, many Islamic scholars continue to object to the use of other insects in food items.
