S. Korea launches HACCP pilot program for edible insect farms

South Korea is introducing a production-stage food safety certification system for edible insects for the first time, as the government moves to strengthen oversight across the entire supply chain — from breeding through manufacturing and retail — to build consumer confidence and lay the groundwork for industry growth.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs on Monday launched a pilot program applying Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) standards to edible insect farms, in partnership with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Korea Food Safety Management Certification Institute.

The pilot is designed to systematically manage hazards that can arise during the insect-rearing process, including pesticide residues and heavy metals. Its core principle is to apply HACCP methodology — analyzing and controlling hazards at the production stage — to ensure food safety from the ground up.

Until now, edible insects had been used as food ingredients without any dedicated safety certification system covering the production stage. Through the pilot, the government aims to establish a safety management framework and create conditions in which consumers can purchase edible insects with confidence.

Responsibilities are divided among the participating agencies. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety oversees the registration of edible insect ingredients and the overall operation of the certification system, while the Korea Food Safety Management Certification Institute handles document review, on-site assessments and post-certification monitoring. Producers and operators seeking certification may submit an application to the institute; those who pass the review and receive a favorable determination will be issued a certificate and permitted to display and advertise their certified status.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs also plans to pursue an amendment to the Insect Industry Act based on the pilot's results. The revision would establish a legal basis for formally introducing the production-stage safety certification regime, with the government intending to gradually expand the number of certified farms and businesses through support for new facility construction and renovation.

The edible insect market is growing rapidly. Grand View Research projects the global edible insect market will expand from about $1.35 billion in 2024 to approximately $4.38 billion by 2030.

"Edible insects are a future food resource and a high-value-added green biotech industry with strong growth potential," a ministry official said. "We will upgrade the quality management system and secure consumer trust so that the edible insect industry can continue to grow."