The Swiss supermarket chain Coop will start selling products, such as hamburgers and meatballs, that contain insects from next spring, writes the Swiss newspaper Local, stating that this was confirmed to the editorial office by the chain.
Under Swiss law, unusual food products such as those containing insects could not until now be sold without special approval, but the Federal Office for Food Safety said on Friday it was simplifying that system.
As of May 1, 2017, any food product will be able to be sold on the Swiss market as long as it meets food safety regulations.
Coop reacted quickly, stating that from next spring, products made from insects will be on the shelves of its stores.
The retail giant said in a statement that it is working with Swiss start-up Eshento, which specializes in the development of insect-based dishes, to create a range of "surprising" products containing insect proteins, including meatballs and burgers.
"The secret of our success lies in our ability to recognize trends and to introduce novelties," said Coop's spokesperson, Roland Frefel, according to lis Local.
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