South Korea Recognizes Fulmuci Grasshopper as 10th Edible Insect

South Korea has officially added 'fulmuci,' a type of grasshopper, to its list of recognized edible insects, marking it as the 10th such species approved for food use. This significant step comes six years after silkworm pupae were registered in 2020, expanding the country's options for insect-based food ingredients.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and the Rural Development Administration announced on June 2 that fulmuci has transitioned from a temporary food ingredient to a general food raw material, officially listed in the 'Standards and Specifications for Food.' This classification opens the door for wider culinary applications of the insect.

Fulmuci, belonging to the order Orthoptera and family Acrididae, is distinguished by its larger size and more efficient breeding cycle compared to other edible grasshoppers, leading to higher productivity. Its rich protein and unsaturated fatty acid content make it a versatile ingredient for products like snacks, health foods, powders, chocolates, and toppings. The Rural Development Administration has conducted extensive research into fulmuci's breeding conditions, processing methods, nutritional value, and safety, establishing a solid foundation for its use as a safe food source.