Singapore is known internationally for its food – so far , for its ability to embrace culinary art from around the world and meld them into something uniquely and deliciously its own . But the next big thing on the Singaporean menu – or , to be more accurate , the nextlittlething on the menu – might get the city - state a more or less unlike reputation .

It’sbugs .

Specifically , 20 species of insect , which the Singapore Food Agency ( SFA ) has O.K. for sale and consumption this calendar week . “ With immediate event , SFA will permit the import of insects and louse intersection belonging to species that have been assessed to be of low-spirited regulatory concern , ” the bureau announced in acircularsent to food traders in the urban center - state .

“ These insects and insect products can be used for human wasting disease or as brute feed for food for thought - producing animate being , ” they said .

So which insects made the grade ? The list comprise five mintage of cricket ; three character of locust ; grasshoppers ; seven types of beetle larvae , including mealworm and gargantuan rhino beetle larvae ( google itif you want to lose your appetency ) ; two types of moth larvae ; giant silkworm , for when you ’re feeling fancy ; and , perhaps most surprisingly , honey bee larvae .

For proponent of insectivorous diet , it ’s welcome news . “ It ’s really awesome to see that they have such a big list of species now that are approved for human consumption , ” Skye Blackburn , an Australian entomologist and nutrient scientist who advocate for insect consumption , toldThe Guardian . “ It ’s really show that Singapore is a little bit more clear than we thought they were going to be to edible insects ” .

Eating bugs and beetles is far from a new idea . Not only is it common in more than 100 countries – with themost louse - hungry nationsbeing Mexico , Thailand , and India – butsome considera ball-shaped faulting towards the recitation as a likely solvent to the predominate climate apocalypse .

“ insect are an overlooked source of protein and a way to battle climate change,”reportedthe World Economic Forum in 2022 . “ Our consumption of animal protein is the generator of greenhouse natural gas and clime modification . [ … ] The intake of insect can offset climate change in many way . ”

Other doubts about the six - legged smorgasbord may ricochet from the last comprehension on the list – are n’t beloved bees , you make love , kind of sacredat this point ? But harmonize to Blackburn , we should n’t concern unduly : while some cuisines do eat distaff bees , by far most of those used for food are male – drones .

And it seems that wipe out those guys is kind of doing them a favor . “ They remove the radio-controlled aircraft bees from the hives because that ’s where the varroa hint live , ” Blackburn explained . “ So that ’s why the drone bees are actually used as a source of food for thought , because it is a spin-off of the hive . ”

That said , if you ’re hoping to try a yummy dirt ball set menu , we ’d believably advise avoiding the bees . Not for environmental reasons or anything . Just because , you cognise – bees are technically fish , not insects .