ENTOMOPHAGY: ARE INSECTS SAFE FOR HUMAN FOOD?

Insects as Food – Something for the Future?

The Use of Insects as Human Food in Zambia

Problem statement: The life cycle and culture structure of two commonly eaten worms in Zambia (Isoberlinia paniculata and Miombo/Mopani) were evaluated. The worms were grown on an artificial medium to evaluate the potential of producing them on a commercial scale. Approach: An interesting characteristic of the worms studied was that they reached their maximum weight and maximum length at the sa...

What are Safe Levels of Arsenic in Food and Soils?

A perspective on arsenic “safety” in food and soils in Bangladesh is provided by using current limits or standards for arsenic (As) that have been established by various countries and organizations. Approaches to setting standards for Bangladesh using some of these values are discussed. One approach to determining safe levels of As in food is by comparison to safety standards for drinking water...

How Safe are Antioxidant Food Supplements Containing Selenium?

Three antioxidant food supplements were analysed for selenium (Se) and its species. Sample A main constituents were coenzyme Q10, selenium (as medical yeast), vitamin C and natural vitamin E. The product is used for maintaining health and strengthening physical and mental abilities, stimulating the immune system, inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis, strengthening a weakened heart. Sam...

The potential for entomophagy to address undernutrition.

The use of insects as food for humans has the potential to substantially reduce undernutrition worldwide. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 805 million people are undernourished, with a total food energy deficit of 67.6 billion kcal/day (84 kcal/day/person). Calculations in this article suggest that this deficit could theoretically be reduced or eliminat...