Can edible insects thrive on food waste and leftovers, and how is this regulated in the EU?

The article discusses the growth of the edible insect market in Europe and the regulatory landscape that entrepreneurs must navigate. It highlights the potential for the market to triple by 2023 and the role of the EU in setting food safety standards. The EU's new regulations aim to harmonize laws across member states and ensure the health safety of consumers. The article explains the European Commission's proposal to introduce specific food hygiene standards for edible insect products, including what materials are allowed as feed for insects. It also addresses the challenges and opportunities for using food waste as feed in the context of a circular economy. The author mentions that while the regulations may seem complex, they indicate the EU's commitment to food safety and waste reduction. The company Crickster is mentioned as an example of compliance with food laws and regulations in the production of insect-based food products.

The BBC on the situation of refugees and migrants on the border between Croatia and Bosnia. It was an honour and a pleasure to work with Fergal Keane, David McIlveen and Zeynep Erdim. Full URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-59325777

Part of my latest job as a fixer for the Italian RAI state television here in Bosnia.

I started the "Killer Superbugs" blog as a personal project to address the mind-boggling issue of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Something I came to think of as the Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse. BEFORE COVID 19. I was right.

Why Is Palm Oil Bad For The Environment?

The article discusses the environmental and health impacts of palm oil, a $60 billion industry. Palm oil is the cheapest vegetable oil due to its high productivity per hectare and is used in a wide range of products from food to cosmetics. However, its production has led to deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and air pollution due to the destruction of rainforests, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia. The article questions the effectiveness of sustainable palm oil certifications, highlighting criticisms from organizations like Greenpeace and Amnesty International. It also explores the difficulty in finding a substitute for palm oil and the potential benefits of unrefined palm oil, which is rich in vitamins A and E. The article suggests that fair trade and small-scale production could be a more sustainable way forward.

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Migrant Crisis: A Complex Tale Beyond Freezing Tents

The article discusses the complex situation of migrants in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the Una Sana region, where migrants are stranded due to EU border closures and pushbacks. The focus is on the Lipa camp, which was meant to be a temporary solution but faced disagreements between the EU and local authorities over its permanence. The camp lacked basic amenities and was eventually abandoned by the IOM after local authorities failed to provide necessary infrastructure. The situation reflects the broader issues of Bosnia's postwar dysfunction, the EU's approach to migration, and the challenges of a divided country where ethnic factions impede unified action. The EU has provided significant funding to manage the situation, but the money is often channeled through organizations like the IOM rather than directly to Bosnian institutions. The article also touches on the reluctance of local authorities to host migrants and the political will to address the crisis, as well as the potential consequences for Bosnia's EU membership ambitions.

What are the real reasons behind Bosnia's migrant crisis?

The migrant crisis in Bosnia and Herzegovina is a complex issue involving local and national authorities, the European Union, and international organizations like the IOM. The crisis is exacerbated by political dysfunction, ethnic divisions, and differing priorities between local and national governments. The EU has provided significant financial aid but is criticized for its handling and pressure tactics. Local authorities in Bihać prefer rural camps, while national authorities and the EU push for urban centers. The IOM's withdrawal from the Lipa camp due to inadequate facilities has worsened the situation, leaving migrants in dire conditions. The crisis highlights the broader challenges Bosnia faces in its EU membership aspirations and the need for a more coordinated and humane approach to migration.