Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) and Rural Development Administration (RDA) List Migratory Locust as 10th Edible Insect
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
The partial amendment to the Korean Food Code (No. 2026-40), published by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) on 19 May 2026, represents a significant regulatory development for Korea’s novel food and edible insect industry.
Through this amendment, migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), locally referred to as “풀무치 (Pulmuchi),” was officially reclassified from a temporarily recognised food ingredient to a general food ingredient officially listed in the Korean Food Code, becoming the 10th edible insect recognized under the Korean Food Code.
The revised list of edible insects recognized under the Korean Food Code includes:
what is the Migratory Locust?
The migratory locust belongs to the family Acrididae within the order Orthoptera.
Compared to grasshoppers already recognized as edible insects, migratory locusts are characterized by their larger size, shorter breeding period, and higher productivity. They are also rich in protein and unsaturated fatty acids, making them suitable for use in snacks, health food mixes, powders, chocolates, toppings, and other processed food products.
The RDA has conducted extensive research on breeding conditions, manufacturing processes, nutritional composition, and potential hazards associated with migratory locusts to establish a scientific foundation for their safe use as food ingredients. Based on these studies, the MFDS recognized migratory locusts as a temporarily approved food ingredient following a safety review in September 2021.
Subsequently, the RDA proposed that migratory locusts be converted to general food ingredients. The MFDS then conducted a comprehensive review to determine whether the requirements for listing as a general food ingredient had been met, including an evaluation of safety data, before officially listing migratory locusts in the Korean Food Code.
As a result of this listing, migratory locusts can now be processed using a wider range of manufacturing methods, including freeze-drying, microwave drying, and hot-air drying. This is expected to support the development of a broader variety of insect-based food products while also improving production efficiency, reducing manufacturing costs, and enabling mass production. The amendment is therefore anticipated to contribute to increased farm income and further revitalization of Korea’s edible insect industry.
Jeon Ji-heon, a farmer currently raising migratory locusts, commented:
“Farmers have high expectations now that migratory locusts have been listed as a general food ingredient. I hope migratory locusts will become a food material that is more familiar to consumers.”
According to officials from the MFDS, the inclusion of migratory locusts in the Korean Food Code demonstrates the expansion of opportunities for utilizing new food ingredients following scientific safety evaluations. The MFDS will continue to establish reasonable standards and specifications to ensure that food ingredients with secured safety can be utilized in industry, while creating an environment in which consumers can confidently choose from a variety of foods.
An RDA official further noted the conversion of migratory locusts to a general food ingredient represents a case in which research achievements related to edible insects have led to institutional improvements and industrial utilization. The RDA will continue discovering safe insect resources and strengthening research and field support to help increase farm income and revitalize the edible insect industry.
Final takeaway
The listing of migratory locusts as a general food ingredient marks an important milestone in Korea’s evolving edible insect regulatory landscape. Beyond simply adding another insect to the Korean Food Code, the amendment signals a broader governmental commitment toward developing scientifically validated, sustainable alternative food resources.
For industry stakeholders, the amendment creates new opportunities for product innovation, alternative protein development, and commercialization of insect-based foods. At the same time, it reinforces the importance of robust safety evaluations, manufacturing controls, and regulatory compliance in supporting consumer confidence and long-term market growth.
As regulatory acceptance of edible insects continues to expand globally, Korea’s approach may serve as a model for other jurisdictions seeking to balance innovation, sustainability, food security, and scientific risk assessment within future food systems.
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