New feed ingredients: the insect opportunity

Proteins and Amino Acids from Edible Insects for the Human Diet-A Narrative Review Considering Environmental Sustainability and Regulatory Challenges

The scientific interest in edible insects as an alternative source of high-value protein for the human diet has increased drastically over the last decade. Edible insects harbour enormous potential in terms of planetary health. Their lower water and land use, lower feed conversion ratios, and overall lower global warming potential paired with a high nutritional value compared with conventional livestock are key drivers towards an environmentally sustainable diet. However, low consumer acceptance, as well as regulatory challenges, have slowed down the success of edible insects in Western countries, despite edible insects being consumed regularly all over the world. To date, four edible insect species have been approved as novel foods in the European Union-namely yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor), migratory locust (Locusta migratoria), house cricket (Acheta domesticus), and lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). Depending on the species, they have a high protein content (48-67%), with a beneficial indispensable amino acid profile, high fat content (21-39%), with a high content of unsaturated fatty acids based on the dry matter, and contain reasonable amounts of minerals and vitamins. Unlike other animal-based foods, edible insects contain dietary fibre. Data on the bioavailability of nutrients in humans are scarce. Although numerous publications have investigated the nutritional profiles, environmental impacts, and future perspectives of edible insects, here, those findings are reviewed critically, as some publications were partially contradictory or related to selected species only. In this narrative review, we emphasise that edible insects could play a key role in a changing world with a steadily increasing demand for nutritionally valuable food and the depletion of natural resources.

Navigating the nexus: unraveling the impact of sustainability and the circular economy on food safety

Sustainable food production systems can be achieved through a circular economy, yet the whole system remains susceptible to various known, emerging, or even unknown/novel food safety hazards and contaminants. These upcycled foods can introduce related risks for human or animal health and ecological balance. These potential risks can be effectively mitigated by adopting integrated smart "safe-by-design" approaches. These multi-effective strategies can cascade far beyond consequences by addressing all potential food safety risks at each stage of the food supply chain, even at the post-consumption stage. Sustainability through circularity without harming food production systems can be achieved by integrating and harmonizing evidence-based risk control strategies, fostered with extensive and objective-oriented research and development and preemptive ideological relationships with relevant stakeholders. The current review aimed at addressing the possible occurrence and risks associated with potential emerging or unknown hazards/contaminants linked to various production systems, along with relevant mitigation strategies. It also highlights the importance of implementing quality control measures and safety precautions throughout the food supply chain to prevent the occurrence and propagation of hazardous substances. Agricultural production systems can be transformed into sustainable entities by vigilant monitoring of end-products quality through the use of upcycled technologies.

Development of special nutritional balanced food 3D printing products based on the mixing of animals/plants materials: research progress, applications, and trends

Food 3D printing brings food processing technology into the digital age. This is a vast field that can provide entertainment experience, personalized food and specific nutritional needs. However, the limited availability of suitable food raw materials has restricted the extensive use of 3D food printing processing technique. The search for novel nutritious and healthy food materials that meet the demand for 3D food printing processing technology is core of the sustainable development of this emerging technology. The printing mechanism, precise nutrition, future outlooks and challenges of 3D food printing technology application in hybrid plant and animal food materials are also analyzed.The results demonstrate that selecting suitable animal and plant materials and mixing them into 3D food printing ingredients without adding food additives can result in printable inks, which can also improve the nutritive value and eating quality of 3D food printed products. Sustainability of novel food materials such as animal cell culture meat and microbial protein mixed with conventional food materials to realize 3D printed food can be a potential research direction. Some other issues should also be considered in future research, such as evaluation of the nutritional efficacy of the product, product stability, shelf life, production efficiency and convenience of process operation.

Effects of high doses of zearalenone on some antioxidant enzymes and locomotion of Tenebrio molitor larvae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

The mealworm Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) feeds on wheat bran and is considered both a pest and an edible insect. Its larvae contain proteins and essential amino acids, fats, and minerals, making them suitable for animal and human consumption. Zearalenone (ZEA) is the mycotoxin most commonly associated with Fusarium spp. It is found in cereals and cereal products, so their consumption is a major risk for mycotoxin contamination. One of the most important effects of ZEA is the induction of oxidative stress, which leads to physiological and behavioral changes. This study deals with the effects of high doses of ZEA (10 and 20 mg/kg) on survival, molting, growth, weight gain, activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST), and locomotion of mealworm larvae. Both doses of ZEA were found to (i) have no effect on survival, (ii) increase molting frequency, SOD, and GST activity, and (iii) decrease body weight and locomotion, with more pronounced changes at 20 mg/kg. These results indicated the susceptibility of T. molitor larvae to high doses of ZEA in feed.

Frequent Allergic Sensitization to Farmed Edible Insects in Exposed Employees

BACKGROUND

Exposure to insects used in pet food, scientific research, or live fish bait can cause an occupational allergy. The recent shift toward enhanced insect production for human consumption and animal feed will likely expose more employees.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate sensitization and symptoms in employees exposed to edible insects in Flanders.

METHODS

Fifteen insect-exposed employees were recruited and sensitization was explored by skin prick test, basophil activation test, and immunoblotting. Lung function, FeNO, histamine provocation, and sputum induction were studied. Airborne dust sampling was performed and proteins were studied by silver stain and immunoblotting.

RESULTS

Sixty percent of employees self-reported upper respiratory tract symptoms related to insect exposure. Ten employees (71.4%) had a positive histamine provocation test concentration causing a 20% drop in FEV1 less than 8 mg/mL and four (26.7%) had FeNO levels above 25 ppb. Four employees (30.7%) had a positive skin prick test for at least one insect, and seven (58.3%) had a positive basophil activation test. In eight participants with insect sensitization, four (50%) had co-occurring house dust mite sensitization. Two participants had strong IgE binding to a 50-kDa migratory locust allergen, one to a 25-kDa mealworm allergen, and one to mealworm α-amylase. In one center, facility adjustment resulted in a substantial decrease in the inhalable dust fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Insect exposure leads to high levels of sensitization among employees. Most employees reported symptoms of the upper respiratory system, and two-thirds of employees had bronchial hyperreactivity. Prevention and health surveillance will be important in the developing insect-rearing industry.

Proximate Content Monitoring of Black Soldier Fly Larval (Hermetia illucens) Dry Matter for Feed Material using Short-Wave Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging

Edible insects are gaining popularity as a potential future food source because of their high protein content and efficient use of space. Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are noteworthy because they can be used as feed for various animals including reptiles, dogs, fish, chickens, and pigs. However, if the edible insect industry is to advance, we should use automation to reduce labor and increase production. Consequently, there is a growing demand for sensing technologies that can automate the evaluation of insect quality. This study used short-wave infrared (SWIR) hyperspectral imaging to predict the proximate composition of dried BSFL, including moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and crude ash content. The larvae were dried at various temperatures and times, and images were captured using an SWIR camera. A partial least-squares regression (PLSR) model was developed to predict the proximate content. The SWIR-based hyperspectral camera accurately predicted the proximate composition of BSFL from the best preprocessing model; moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and crude ash content were predicted with high accuracy, with R2 values of 0.89 or more, and root mean square error of prediction values were within 2%. Among preprocessing methods, mean normalization and max normalization methods were effective in proximate prediction models. Therefore, SWIR-based hyperspectral cameras can be used to create automated quality management systems for BSFL.

Foodborne Diseases in the Edible Insect Industry in Europe-New Challenges and Old Problems

Insects play a key role in European agroecosystems. Insects provide important ecosystem services and make a significant contribution to the food chain, sustainable agriculture, the farm-to-fork (F2F) strategy, and the European Green Deal. Edible insects are regarded as a sustainable alternative to livestock, but their microbiological safety for consumers has not yet been fully clarified. The aim of this article is to describe the role of edible insects in the F2F approach, to discuss the latest veterinary guidelines concerning consumption of insect-based foods, and to analyze the biological, chemical, and physical hazards associated with edible insect farming and processing. Five groups of biological risk factors, ten groups of chemical risk factors, and thirteen groups of physical risks factors have been identified and divided into sub-groups. The presented risk maps can facilitate identification of potential threats, such as foodborne pathogens in various insect species and insect-based foods. Ensuring safety of insect-based foods, including effective control of foodborne diseases, will be a significant milestone on the path to maintaining a sustainable food chain in line with the F2F strategy and EU policies. Edible insects constitute a new category of farmed animals and a novel link in the food chain, but their production poses the same problems and challenges that are encountered in conventional livestock rearing and meat production.

Uptake and Survival of African Swine Fever Virus in Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae

Insect production offers a sustainable source of nutrients for livestock. This comes with a risk for transmission of pathogens from the insects into the livestock sector, including viruses causing serious diseases, such as African swine fever virus (ASFV), classical swine fever virus and foot-and-mouth disease virus. ASFV is known to survive for a long time within animal meat and byproducts. Therefore, we conducted experimental exposure studies of insects to ASFV using larvae of two key insect species produced for food and feed, the mealworm; Tenebrio molitor, and the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens. The larvae were exposed to ASFV POL/2015/Podlaskie, via oral uptake of serum or spleen material from ASFV-infected pigs. Using qPCR, the amounts of viral DNA present immediately after exposure varied from ~10^4.7 to 10^7.2 genome copies per insect. ASFV DNA was detectable in the larvae of H. illucens for up to 3 days post exposure and in T. molitor larvae for up to 9 days post exposure. To assess the presence of infectious virus within the larvae and with this, the risk of virus transmission via oral consumption, pigs were fed cakes containing larvae exposed to ASFV. Pigs that consumed 50 T. molitor or 50 H. illucens virus-exposed larvae did not become infected with ASFV. Thus, it appears, that in our experimental setting, the risk of ASFV transmission via consumption of unprocessed insect larvae, used as feed, is low.

Edible Insect Consumption for Human and Planetary Health: A Systematic Review

This systematic review aimed to examine the health outcomes and environmental impact of edible insect consumption. Following PRISMA-P guidelines, PubMed, Medline ProQuest, and Cochrane Library databases were searched until February 2021. Twenty-five articles met inclusion criteria: twelve animal and six human studies (randomized, non-randomized, and crossover control trials), and seven studies on sustainability outcomes. In animal studies, a supplement (in powdered form) of 0.5 g/kg of glycosaminoglycans significantly reduced abdominal and epididymal fat weight (5-40% and 5-24%, respectively), blood glucose (10-22%), and total cholesterol levels (9-10%), and a supplement of 5 mg/kg chitin/chitosan reduced body weight (1-4%) and abdominal fat accumulation (4%) versus control diets. In other animal studies, doses up to 7-15% of edible insect inclusion level significantly improved the live weight (9-33%), reduced levels of triglycerides (44%), cholesterol (14%), and blood glucose (8%), and increased microbiota diversity (2%) versus control diet. In human studies, doses up to 7% of edible insect inclusion level produced a significant improvement in gut health (6%) and reduction in systemic inflammation (2%) versus control diets and a significant increase in blood concentrations of essential and branched-chain amino acids and slowing of digestion (40%) versus whey treatment. Environmental indicators (land use, water footprint, and greenhouse gas emissions) were 40-60% lower for the feed and food of edible insects than for traditional animal livestock. More research is warranted on the edible insect dose responsible for health effects and on environmental indicators of edible insects for human nutrition. This research demonstrates how edible insects can be an alternative protein source not only to improve human and animal nutrition but also to exert positive effects on planetary health.

Qualitative and Quantitative Detection of Mealworm DNA in Raw and Commercial Food Products Using Real-Time PCR

Considering food safety and an increasing public awareness of the ingredients, production process and origin of foods, the application of insects as food requires the development of tests for the reliable identification of their presence. The aim of the study was (1) the determination of appropriate modifications of the selected method for isolating the DNA of two life stages of mealworm, i.e., larva and adult, from commercial food products; (2) the determination of the method parameters for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of mealworm contents based on the detection of a species-specific mitochondrial DNA fragment, using real-time PCR; (3) the application of a method to test the commercial food products of mealworm. A total of nine species of adult insect were investigated (field cricket, Dubia cockroach, Madagascar cockroach, banded cricket, migratory locust, yellow mealworm, superworm, house fly and lacewing), theirlarvaes (yellow mealworms and superworms) and thirteen commercial food products (dried whole insects, powder and granules) representing various insect species and origins which were purchased from the European market. The obtained results showed that the efficiency of the modification of the DNA extraction method is dependent on the life stage of the mealworm. We proved the high sensitivity of the test, with the range of the method being 0.1–100%; we also proved the biological specificity in this range, and the linearity. The linearity of the test was also statistically verified using the Fisher–Snedecor test. One-way variance analysis showed statistically significant differences between the c_T values of the two mealworm life stages studied, and similarly, between the threshold cycle (c_T) values of adult forms. In contrast, for the inside group of mealworm larvae, there was no significant difference observed between the results of the c_T values. The test is effective for processed food products and may be used to monitor food. The research proved the suitability of the applied method for the analysis of samples that are commercially available as food for exotic animals. The hereby-developed method is based on widely used laboratory techniques, and does not require any additional investment in equipment. The availabilityof such a methodallows for the verification of the accuracy of the declared species component of the food products.

Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Growing Pigs Fed with Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae as Alternative Protein Source

Insects have been used as animal feed protein sources in livestock and poultry breeding, and their impact on pork quality needs to be studied. This experiment mainly explores the effect of adding black soldier flies to the feed on the growth performance and meat quality of pigs. All 24 weaned piglets were randomly divided into three groups, one group was given a normal diet as the control group (C), and the other two groups were supplemented with 4% (T1) and 8% (T2) black soldier flies as an alternative protein source, respectively. Pig growth performance and carcass traits were measured at the end of the 113-day experiment. After euthanizing the pigs, we used metabolomics to detect pig dorsal muscle and qPCR to detect gene expression in dorsal muscle and adipose tissue. For the average daily gain and backfat thickness, T2 group was significantly higher than T1 group and C group (p < 0.05). Intramuscular fat content was significantly elevated in the T1 and T2 groups (p < 0.05). The metabolomics results showed that there were significant differences in metabolites among the three groups (p < 0.05). The addition of black soldier flies could increase the content of some free amino acids, and the content of lipid metabolites also changed significantly (p < 0.05). The gene expression of type 1 muscle fibers in the T1 group and the PGC-1α gene expression in the T1 and T2 groups were significantly increased in the dorsal muscle (p < 0.05). The results of the present study showed that adding 4% black soldier fly instead of fish meal in the diet of growing pigs can significantly improve meat quality and supplementation of 8% black soldier flies has beneficial effects on growth performance of pigs.

Edible Insect Farming in the Context of the EU Regulations and Marketing—An Overview

Simple Summary

Insects have been identified as an alternative in the development of food systems and as a response to the growing demand for protein in the world. Edible insects have been recognized as an important innovation in the food sector. In the past, insects have been consumed in many cultures, and they are presently being introduced to Europe as a novel food and livestock. This article comprehensively reviews the use of edible insects in relation to their breeding, production technology, legal and socio-economic aspects. The role of food safety and legislation in implementing insects as food and feed is discussed. Moreover, the article introduces the breeding of edible insects as a developing and future-oriented business sector. In conclusion, the consumption of insects by humans and animals can significantly contribute to better diversification and security of the global food chain. The low acceptance of insect-based foods, in particular in Western societies, is an important problem that has been identified in this article. Consumer acceptance of insects as a rich source of nutrients is required for the further development of the sector. Consumer education and appropriate marketing strategies are required to promote the growth of the edible insect industry.

Abstract

Insects are increasingly being considered as an attractive source of protein that can cater to the growing demand for food around the world and promote the development of sustainable food systems. Commercial insect farms have been established in various countries, mainly in Asia, but in Europe, edible insects have not yet emerged as a viable alternative to traditional plant- and animal-based sources of protein. In this paper, we present an interdisciplinary overview of the technological aspects of edible insect farming in the context of the EU regulations and marketing. Based on a review of the literature, we have concluded that edible insect farming can be a viable business sector that significantly contributes to the overall sustainability of food systems if the appropriate regulations are introduced and food safety standards are guaranteed. However, the success of the edible insect industry also requires consumer acceptance of entomophagy, which is rather low in Western societies. Therefore, targeted marketing strategies are indispensable to support the implementation of edible insect programs.

Mycotoxin Metabolism by Edible Insects

Mycotoxins are a group of toxic secondary metabolites produced in the food chain by fungi through the infection of crops both before and after harvest. Mycotoxins are one of the most important food safety concerns due to their severe poisonous and carcinogenic effects on humans and animals upon ingestion. In the last decade, insects have received wide attention as a highly nutritious, efficient and sustainable source of animal-derived protein and caloric energy for feed and food purposes. Many insects have been used to convert food waste into animal feed. As food waste might contain mycotoxins, research has been conducted on the metabolism and detoxification of mycotoxins by edible insects. The mycotoxins that have been studied include aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone (ZEN), vomitoxin or deoxynivalenol (DON), and ochratoxins (OTAs). Aflatoxin metabolism is proved through the production of hydroxylated metabolites by NADPH-dependent reductases and hydroxylases by different insects. ZEN can be metabolized into α- and β-zearalenol. Three DON metabolites, 3-, 15-acetyl-DON, and DON-3-glucoside, have been identified in the insect DON metabolites. Unfortunately, the resulting metabolites, involved enzymes, and detoxification mechanisms of OTAs and fumonisins within insects have yet to be identified. Previous studies have been focused on the insect tolerance to mycotoxins and the produced metabolites; further research needs to be conducted to understand the exact enzymes and pathways that are involved.

Farm to Institution to Farm: Circular Food Systems With Native Entomoculture

Edible insects recycle food waste, which can help feed a hungrier planet by making food systems more circular and diversifying protein production. The potential for entomophagy (i.e., insect cuisine) to contribute to waste recycling and lower input food production is only beginning to be explored in the U.S., although insects have been consumed by people for millennia in a wide range of cultures. In this perspective piece, we consider as a case study the potential for university foodservice programs in New England to serve as incubators for circular entomophagous food systems. Students are likely early adopters of entomophagy because they increasingly demand sustainable non-meat protein options. University foodservices meanwhile purchase large amounts of food wholesale from local producers, utilize standardized pre-processing, and generate consistent waste streams which may be valuable feed for local insect farmers. Current Farm to Institution approaches strengthen regional food systems by connecting small farmers with university foodservices; we argue that a similar model (Farm to Institution to Farm) could support establishment of local insect farms, introduce edible insects to a relatively receptive base of university student customers, and provide a more sustainable mechanism for repurposing university food waste as insect feed. But to enable this type of food system, additional requirements include: (1) research on domestication of native insect species; (2) investment in processing capacity, ensuring new insect farmers have reliable markets for raw insect products; (3) infrastructure to recirculate waste streams within existing food systems; and (4) creation of recipes that entice new insect consumers.

Metabolic fate and toxicity reduction of aflatoxin B1 after uptake by edible Tenebrio molitor larvae

The use of insects as food and feed is gaining more attention for ecological and ethical reasons. Despite the high tolerance of edible yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the metabolic fate of the toxin along with its toxic potential in the insect is uncertain. The present study aimed at investigating the AFB1 mass balance and the metabolite formation in a feeding trial with AFB1-contaminated grain flour. T. molitor larvae tolerated the AFB1 level of 10,700 μg/kg in the feed, however, weight gain was decreased by 15% over a 4-weeks feeding period. The investigation of the phase I metabolite pattern revealed the formation of AFM1 and a novel presumably monohydroxylated compound in larvae extracts that was not formed by reference incubation with rat, bovine or porcine liver microsomes. Mass balance quantification of ingested AFB1 revealed that 87% of the initial toxin remain undetected in larval body or residue. Analysis of histone H2Ax phosphorylation in human liver cells as a surrogate for genotoxicity showed that extracts from exposed larvae did not exhibit an elevated toxic potential. Although toxicological uncertainties remain due to the undetected transformation products, the resulting mutagenicity of the edible larvae appears to be low.

Black soldier fly reared on pig manure: Bioconversion efficiencies, nutrients in the residual material, greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions

There is an increased interest for using insects, such as the black soldier fly, to treat surplus manure and upcycle nutrients into the food system. Understanding the influence that BSFL have on nutrient flows and nutrient losses during manure bioconversion is key for sustainability assessments. Here we quantified and compared nutrient balances, nutrient levels in residual materials and emissions of greenhouse gases and ammonia between manure incubated with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and manure without BSFL, during a 9-day experimental period. We obtained high analytical recoveries, ranging between 95 and 103%. We found that of the pig manure supplied, 12.5% of dry matter (DM), 13% of carbon, 25% of nitrogen, 14% of energy, 8.5% of phosphorus and 9% of potassium was stored in BSFL body mass. When BSFL were present, more carbon dioxide (247 vs 148 g/kg of DM manure) and ammonia-nitrogen (7 vs 4.5 g/kg of DM manure) emitted than when larvae were absent. Methane, which was the main contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, was produced at the same levels (1.3 vs 1.1 g/kg of DM manure) in both treatments, indicating the main role that manure microbial methane emissions play. Nitrous oxide was negligible in both treatments. The uptake of nutrients by the larvae and the higher carbon dioxide and ammonia emissions modified the nutrient composition of the residual material substantially relative to the fresh manure. Our study provides a reliable basis to quantify the environmental impact of using BSFL in future life cycle assessments.

The Potential of Locally-Sourced European Protein Sources for Organic Monogastric Production: A Review of Forage Crop Extracts, Seaweed, Starfish, Mussel, and Insects

Organic monogastric agriculture is challenged because of a limited availability of regional and organic protein-rich ingredients to fulfill the amino acid requirements. The development of novel feed ingredients is therefore essential. The use of starfish (Asterias rubens), mussel (Mytilus edilus), insect, green and brown seaweed, and forage crop extracts exhibits different approaches to increase protein availability in a sustainable manner through improving the protein quality of existing ingredients, better use of under- or unutilized material, or development of circular bioeconomy. This review assessed limitations and opportunities of producing, processing, and using these novel ingredients in feed. The use of non-renewable resources and the effect on the environment of production and processing the feed ingredients are described. Protein concentration and amino acid quality of the feed ingredients are evaluated to understand their substitution potential compared with protein-rich soya bean and fishmeal. Feedstuffs’ effect on digestibility and animal performance is summarized. With the exception of seaweed, all novel ingredients show potential to partly substitute fishmeal or soya bean fulfilling part of the protein requirement in organic monogastric production. However, improvements during production and processing can be made to enhance protein quality, sustainability of the novel ingredients, and nutrient utilization of novel feed ingredients.

Insects: A Potential Source of Protein and Other Nutrients for Feed and Food

Sustainable production of healthy food for a growing global population, in the face of the uncertainties of climate change, represents a major challenge for the coming decade. Livestock provide food with high nutritional value but are frequently fed on human-edible crops and are associated with significant production of greenhouse gases. Recent years have seen increasing interest in the farming of insects as a sustainable source of human food, or as a replacement of ingredients such as soya or fishmeal in the feeds of terrestrial livestock or fish. This review provides an overview of insect physiology and growth regulation, considers the requirements for insect farming and mass production, and summarizes the nutritional value of the 10 most commonly studied insect species, before reviewing the literature on the use of insects as feed and food. We highlight the challenges required to develop a sustainable, safe, and affordable insect farming industry.

Revisiting the concept of entomotoxicology

Until now, the term entomotoxicology has only been used in medico-legal sciences. However, entomotoxicology as a whole has a much wider scope and forensic entomotoxicology is just one of its branches. Based on the literature a wider definition of the term is presented. Today, we can distinguish two major branches of entomotoxicology: 1) Forensic entomotoxicology, which uses the insects as evidence of the presence of xenobiotics in decomposing tissue during an investigation and 2) Environmental entomotoxicology, which uses the insects as bioindicators of environmental pollution in non-criminal circumstances. While forensic entomotoxicology is a relatively new discipline, research in environmental entomotoxicology began as far back as the 1920s. A review of the work in entomotoxicology from the last 6 years is presented, covering several interesting new trends. This article aims to redefine entomotoxicology, which should increase awareness to bring more collaborations and multidisciplinary between related scientific fields.

Circular Economy and Economic Development in the European Union: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Increased changes in the climate and ecosystems call for a sustainable economic development, where economic growth should be compatible with the environment goals. In order to do this, it is urgent to find new ways of life and new production systems that make our ecological footprint compatible with global sustainability. The concept of the circular economy has brought relevant contributions to this problem. The central objective of the study presented here is to highlight the main insights presented through scientific literature about the concept of the circular economy within the European Union. In practice, the intention is to show what has already been done about this topic and what can/should be implemented in the future. To achieve these objectives, 144 articles were considered from the Web of Science (Core Collection) for the topics “circular economy” and “European Union”. These documents were, firstly, analysed through a proper literature review and later explored through bibliometric analysis, considering bibliographic data and the VOSviewer software. As the main findings have revealed, the increased importance of this concept within the European Union is recognized. However, this paper also identifies several challenges in the literature, namely the concentration of the identified publications in certain countries, organizations, and authors.

Official Feed Control Linked to the Detection of Animal Byproducts: Past, Present, and Future

In the context of the expansion of the human population, availability of food, and in extension of animal feed, is a big issue. Favoring a circular economy by the valorization of byproducts is a sustainable way to be more efficient. Animal byproducts are an interesting source of feed materials due to their richness in proteins of high nutritional value. Prevention and control efforts have allowed a gradual lifting of the feed ban regarding the use of animal byproducts. Nevertheless, the challenge remains the development of analytical methods enabling a distinction between authorized and unauthorized feed materials. This Review focuses on the historical and epidemiological context of the official control, the evaluation of current and foreseen legislation, and the available methods of analysis for the detection of constituents of animal origin in feedingstuffs. It also underlines the analytical limitations of the approach and discusses some prospects of novel methods to ensure food and feed safety.

Peptide fingerprinting of Hermetia illucens and Alphitobius diaperinus: Identification of insect species-specific marker peptides for authentication in food and feed

Insects have been proposed as new source of proteins to meet the growing demand connected to the increasing world population. In the EU the inclusion of insect proteins in feed and food is strictly regulated. Hence, analytical methods able to discriminate and identify different insect species in food and feed are a necessity. In this work, a peptidomic approach was applied to determine peptide biomarkers for two edible insect species: lesser mealworm and black soldier fly. Three species specific peptide biomarkers were identified using LC-MS/MS. The two insects were mixed with fish standard feed at different concentrations, to evaluate the feasibility of their use as markers in complex matrices. The detection of marker peptides was confirmed down to 1% insect amount. The data here reported constitutes the first proof of concept for the potential application of the peptide marker approach for the identification and quantification of insect ingredients.

The microbial safety of seaweed as a feed component for black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae

Farmed insects can offer an environmentally sustainable aquafeed or livestock feed ingredient. The value of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) (BSF) larvae could be improved by enrichment in omega-3 through the dietary inclusion of seaweed. However, the industry practice of drying seaweed at low temperatures to retain nutritional properties may benefit the survival of human pathogenic bacteria, particularly if the seaweed has been harvested from contaminated water. Here we have demonstrated that E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 died-off in seaweed dried at 50 °C, although both were detected in the dried powder following 72 h storage. V. parahaemolyticus fell below the level of detection in stored seaweed after drying at ≥ 50 °C, but L. monocytogenes remained detectable, and continued to grow in seaweed dried at ≤60 °C. Therefore, drying seaweed at low temperatures risks pathogen carry-over into insects destined for animal feed. BSF larvae reared on an artificially contaminated seaweed-supplemented diet also became contaminated by all four bacteria present in the supplement. Water quality at seaweed harvesting sites, seaweed desiccation, and insect rearing practices, represent critical points where development of regulatory standards could achieve targeted control of pathogenic hazards.

Potential of Black Soldier Fly Production for Pacific Small Island Developing States

Organic waste such as food waste and livestock manure is a serious concern in the Pacific Islands, where landfills are overflowing and illegal dumping of waste threatens the fragile ecosystems. Organic waste also attracts filth flies, some of which are vectors for pathogens that cause human disease. The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, has tremendous potential for the Pacific Islands. Capable of digesting almost any organic matter and converting it into insect biomass, black soldier flies are already being used around the world to process organic waste into larvae. The system can be adapted to large-scale municipal composting as well as small sizes for individual livestock farms or even urban households. The larvae can be fed live to fish or poultry, processed into feed comparable to fishmeal or soy meal, or even used to generate biofuel. Thus, the fly not only eliminates waste, but also can improve the sustainability of livestock production. The Pacific Small Island Developing States stand to benefit immensely from black soldier fly bioconversion facilities, used primarily as a means to compost organic waste; however, several knowledge gaps must first be addressed. We reviewed the state of black soldier flies in the Pacific and identified where their use shows the most promise. Research priorities for the field include fly surveys and bioconversion assays using Pacific crop waste.

A Chemically Safe Way to Produce Insect Biomass for Possible Application in Feed and Food Production

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI, Diptera, Stratiomydae) has great potential as a food and feed ingredient in the European Union (EU). The production of insects as livestock feed or as food ingredients requires strict monitoring of the content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the growth substrate, to meet the security requirements. This study aims to investigate the presence of PTEs, like cadmium, lead, mercury, arsenic, and nickel, in HI prepupae and in their growth substrates based on coffee roasting by-product and microalgae Schizochytrium sp. and Isochrysis sp. Analyses were carried out via graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry for Cd, Pb, Ni, and As, and via Direct Mercury Analyzer for Hg. All element concentrations found in growth substrates were below the legal limit of undesirable substances in animal feed (2002/32/EC). Elements concentrations in HI prepupae were in the range (mg kg-1 wet weight) of 0.072 to 0.084 for Cd, 0.018 to 0.026 for Pb, 0.010 to 0.032 for Hg, 0.036 to 0.047 for As, and 0.18 to 0.76 for Ni. Even if HI prepupae accumulated Cd, Pb, and Hg, our results indicated that the risk of exposure to PTEs from HI prepupae consumption is relatively low and in compliance with EU regulations.

Volatile and sensory analysis to discriminate meat from lambs fed different concentrate-based diets

Context Diet is one the most important pre-slaughter factors that potentially influences meat quality, but its effect on flavour quality remains equivocal. Aim The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of diet composition on the flavour and sensory quality of meat from Texel × Scottish Blackface ram lambs. Methods Groups of 11 lambs were assigned to one of the following four dietary treatments for 54 days before slaughter: a concentrate containing barley, maize and soybean (C treatment); C supplemented with a saturated fat source (Megalac®); C supplemented with protected linseed oil; a by-product-based diet containing citrus pulp, distillers grain and soybean. Samples of cooked M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum were subjected to volatile analysis involving solid-phase microextraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and to sensory analysis performed by a trained panel. Key results Univariate analysis of volatile data and sensory data showed few differences due to dietary treatments. However, multivariate analysis of the volatile data, and to a lesser extent the sensory profile data, showed potential to discriminate between lamb meat samples, on the basis of the different dietary treatments. Conclusions The inclusion of certain dietary ingredients in the diets of lambs to enhance the nutritional profile of lamb meat (through increasing n-3 fatty acid content) or to reduce feed-formulation costs (through the use of by-products) has minor effects on sensory quality but permits some discrimination between dietary treatments following the application of multivariate analysis. Implications The application of the findings is in allowing lamb producers to use alternative feed types without affecting the sensory quality of lamb negatively, but with the potential to discriminate lamb meat on the basis of its dietary background.

Impact of Naturally Contaminated Substrates on Alphitobius diaperinus and Hermetia illucens: Uptake and Excretion of Mycotoxins

Insects are considered a suitable alternative feed for livestock production and their use is nowadays regulated in the European Union by the European Commission Regulation No. 893/2017. Insects have the ability to grow on a different spectrum of substrates, which could be naturally contaminated by mycotoxins. In the present work, the mycotoxin uptake and/or excretion in two different insect species, Alphitobius diaperinus (Lesser Mealworm, LM) and Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly, BSF), grown on naturally contaminated substrates, was evaluated. Among all the substrates of growth tested, the Fusarium toxins deoxynivalenol (DON), fumonisin 1 and 2 (FB1 and FB2) and zearalenone (ZEN) were found in those based on wheat and/or corn. No mycotoxins were detected in BSF larvae, while quantifiable amount of DON and FB1 were found in LM larvae, although in lower concentration than those detected in the growing substrates and in the residual fractions. Mass balance calculations indicated that BSF and LM metabolized mycotoxins in forms not yet known, accumulating them in their body or excreting in the faeces. Further studies are required in this direction due to the future employment of insects as feedstuff.

Feeding study for the mycotoxin zearalenone in yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae-investigation of biological impact and metabolic conversion

Edible insects as additional food and/or feed source may represent one important component to solve the problem of food security for a growing human population. Especially for covering the rising demand for protein of animal origin, seven insect species currently allowed as feed constituents in the European Union are gaining more interest. However, before considering insects such as yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor) as suitable for, e.g. human consumption, the possible presence and accumulation of contaminants must be elucidated. The present work investigates the effects of the mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites on insect larvae. Seven different diets were prepared: toxin-free control, spiked and artificially contaminated (both containing approx.500 μg/kg and approx. 2000 μg/kg of ZEN) as well as two naturally contaminated diets (600 μg/kg and 900 μg/kg ZEN). The diets were used in a multiple-week feeding trial using T. molitor larvae as model insects. The amount of ZEN and its metabolites in the feed, larvae and the residue were measured by HPLC-MS/MS. A significantly enhanced individual larval weight was found for the insects fed on the naturally contaminated diets compared to the other feeding groups after 8 weeks of exposure. No ZEN or ZEN metabolites were detected in the T. molitor larvae after harvest. However, ZEN, α- and β-stereoisomers of zearalenol were found in the residue samples indicating an intense metabolism of ZEN in the larvae. No further ZEN metabolites could be detected in any sample. Thus, ZEN is not retained to any significant amount in T. molitor larvae.

Insects for Food and Feed-Safety Aspects Related to Mycotoxins and Metals

Edible insects as an alternative source of protein are discussed as an important contribution to future feed and food security. However, it has to be ensured that the consumption is non-hazardous. This systematic review summarizes findings concerning contaminations of insects with mycotoxins and heavy metal ions (SciFinder, Pubmed, until 26 June 2019). Both kinds of contaminants were reported to reduce growth performance and increase mortality in insects. There was no evidence for accumulation of various mycotoxins analyzed in distinct insect species. However, further research is necessary due to limitation of data. Since the gut content contributes relevantly to the total body burden of contaminants in insects, a starving period before harvesting is recommended. Contrary, accumulation of heavy metal ions occurred to a varying extent dependent on metal type, insect species, and developmental stage. Examples are the accumulation of cadmium (black soldier fly) and arsenic (yellow mealworm). The reported species-specific accumulation and metabolism patterns of contaminants emphasize the importance to assess potential safety hazards in a case-by-case approach. Subject to regular monitoring of contaminants, the general ban in the European Union to use waste in animal feed should also be questioned regarding insect farming.

Review: Insects and former foodstuffs for upgrading food waste biomasses/streams to feed ingredients for farm animals

The increasing global need to find alternative protein/energy sources has triggered research in the field of non-conventional feed ingredients, with insects and former foodstuffs being the most promising. Insects contain high level of protein and fat, whereas former foodstuffs contain high energy in the form of carbohydrates and fats; therefore, both should be considered as promising alternative feed ingredients for livestock production. In addition to the nutritional value, they also represent a way by which food waste biomasses/streams can be upgraded to valuable feed ingredients. This review outlines the main nutritional and safety issues of insects and former foodstuffs, and also considers the legal framework involved. The importance of the type of insect metamorphosis and tailored substrates that could lead to the production of a premium feed is also described. This is also the first time that a review discusses the nutritional quality of former foodstuffs. Energy and the main nutrient content of former foodstuff are compared with the composition of common cereals as the principal energy sources in animal feed. For both ingredients a critical review of the safety issues is provided. Based on the current data available, both insects and former foodstuffs have an excellent potential use as alternative feed ingredients for livestock production. When produced in line with the criteria set by major feed/food authorities, they are characterized by high quality and safety standards. This makes them comparable to other feed materials and ingredients currently available on the market, although their full nutritional, functional, safety and sustainability evaluation cannot be considered complete.

Bridging legal requirements and analytical methods: a review of monitoring opportunities of animal proteins in feed

Availability and safety of food ranks among the basic requirements for human beings. The importance of the food producing sector, inclusive of feed manufacturing, demands a high level of regulation and control. This paper will present and discuss the relationships in the triangle of legislation, the background of hazards with a biological nature, and opportunities for monitoring methods, most notable for prion-based diseases as primary issue. The European Union legislation for prevention of prion-based diseases since 2000 is presented and discussed. The definitions and circumscriptions of groups of species will be analysed in the view biological classification and evolutionary relationships. The state of the art of monitoring methods is presented and discussed. Methods based on visual markers (microscopy), DNA-based methods (PCR), protein-based methods (ELISA, mass spectroscopy, proteomics), near infrared oriented methods and combinations thereof are being evaluated. It is argued that the use in legislation of non-homogeneous groups of species in a biological sense will hamper the optimal design of monitoring methods. Proper definitions are considered to act as bridges between legal demands and suitable analytical methods for effective monitoring. Definitions including specified groups of species instead of single species are more effective for monitoring in a range of cases. Besides the desire of precise circumscription of animal groups targeted by legislation, processed products need well defined definitions as well. Most notable examples are blood versus blood products, and hydrolysis of several types of material. The WISE principle for harmonising the design of legislation and of analytical methods is discussed. This principle includes the elements Witful (reasonable legal principles), Indicative (clear limits between prohibition and authorisation), Societal demands (public health, environment, economy), and Enforceable (presence of suited monitoring methods) in order to promote a balanced effort for reaching the desired level of safety in the food production chain.

Meeting Global Feed Protein Demand: Challenge, Opportunity, and Strategy

Feed protein supplements are one of the most expensive and limiting feed ingredients. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of how the expected expansion of animal production, driven by the rising world population and living standards for more animal-sourced foods, is creating a global shortage of feed protein supply. Because ruminants, chickens, and pigs contribute to 96% of the global supply of animal protein and aquaculture is growing fast, means of meeting the feed protein requirements of these species are elaborated. Geographic variation and interdependence among China, Europe, and North America in the demand and supply of feed protein are compared. The potential and current state of exploration into alternative feed proteins, including microalgae, insects, single-cell proteins, and coproducts, are highlighted. Strategic innovations are proposed to upgrade feed protein processing and assessment, improve protein digestion by exogenous enzymes, and genetically select feed-efficient livestock breeds. An overall successful and sustainable solution in meeting global feed protein demands will lead to a substantial net gain of human-edible animal protein with a minimal environmental footprint.

Tolerance and Excretion of the Mycotoxins Aflatoxin B₁, Zearalenone, Deoxynivalenol, and Ochratoxin A by Alphitobius diaperinus and Hermetia illucens from Contaminated Substrates

This study aimed to investigate the potential accumulation of mycotoxins in the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus, LMW) and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, BSF) larvae. Feed was spiked with aflatoxin B₁, deoxynivalenol (DON), ochratoxin A or zearalenone, and as a mixture of mycotoxins, to concentrations of 1, 10, and 25 times the maximum limits set by the European Commission for complete feed. This maximum limit is 0.02 mg/kg for aflatoxin B₁, 5 mg/kg for DON, 0.5 mg/kg for zearalenone and 0.1 mg/kg for ochratoxin A. The mycotoxins and some of their metabolites were analysed in the larvae and residual material using a validated and accredited LC-MS/MS-based method. Metabolites considered were aflatoxicol, aflatoxin P₁, aflatoxin Q₁, and aflatoxin M₁, 3-acetyl-DON, 15-acetyl-DON and DON-3-glycoside, and α- and β-zearalenol. No differences were observed between larvae reared on mycotoxins individually or as a mixture with regards to both larvae development and mycotoxin accumulation/excretion. None of the mycotoxins accumulated in the larvae and were only detected in BSF larvae several orders of magnitude lower than the concentration in feed. Mass balance calculations showed that BSF and LMW larvae metabolized the four mycotoxins to different extents. Metabolites accounted for minimal amounts of the mass balance, except for zearalenone metabolites in the BSF treatments, which accounted for an average maximum of 86% of the overall mass balance. Both insect species showed to excrete or metabolize the four mycotoxins present in their feed. Hence, safe limits for these mycotoxins in substrates to be used for these two insect species possibly could be higher than for production animals. However, additional analytical and toxicological research to fully understand the safe limits of mycotoxins in insect feed, and thus the safety of the insects, is required.

Review of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) as Animal Feed and Human Food

Food futurists accept that sustainability-minded humanity will increasingly incorporate insects as alternative protein. The most studied and easily reared species are not necessarily the most sustainable, acceptable, or delicious. Here, we review the literature on the black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, which is capable of efficiently converting a wide variety of organic materials, from food waste to manure, into insect biomass. They can be grown and harvested without dedicated facilities and are not pestiferous. Their larvae are 42% crude protein and 29% fat, although they are higher in saturated fats than most insects. They do not concentrate pesticides or mycotoxins. They are already grown and recommended for use as animal feed, but with regional legal restrictions on how this is done. For commercial use in human foods, larvae could potentially be milled and converted into a textured protein with a strong flavor. Their biggest advantage over other insects is their ability to convert waste into food, generating value and closing nutrient loops as they reduce pollution and costs. This general advantage is also their greatest disadvantage, for the social stigmas and legal prohibitions against eating organisms that eat waste are added to extant taboos facing insect consumption.