It is possible to purchase and consume this product as per the note from the Ministry of Health prot. DGSAF-MDS-P n. 0025574 of 05/11/2021 which refers to the current European legislation, provided that they are farmed and if they are products that: a) come from third countries included in a specific list attached to the implementing regulation (EU) 2021/405; b) are equipped with a health certificate pursuant to the implementing regulation (EU) 2020/2235; c) are not part of the novel foods provided for by regulation (EU) 2015/2283 or are approved on the basis of regulation (EU) 2015/2283 and are included in the Commission implementing regulation (EU) 2017/2470.
Based on these provisions, the only species that can currently be marketed and consumed are “Crocodylus nilotikus”, i.e. crocodiles farmed in the Nile.
In terms of food safety, the European Union, before placing crocodile meat on the market, included it among the products being researched for the prevention of infections resulting from its consumption, as well as providing for rigorous controls during slaughter.
Author: Alessandro Klun
(@acenacondiritto)