Insect as human food and the consumers health risk

Temwani Kaoma

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

5 | P a g e SUMMARY Entomophagy (insect consumption) has been found to be a growing trend among communities. Increasing world population resulting in the increase for demanding food globally coupled with the rising cost of animal protein coupled with the environmental safety of livestock farming are some of the drivers of the increasing demand of edible insects as an alternative food source. The role of edible insects as novel protein source is increasingly becoming more noticeable thus consuming the raw and processed forms of insect has recently gained increasing attention. This study investigated the consumption of insects and the safety of this practice to humans. It was found that entomophagy contributes positively to the environment and to the human health and livelihoods. However, there is little known about the risk assessment and safety of edible insects. Therefore, the thesis aimed to assess the health risks associated with their consumption in addition to their potential as food source. In order to extend the existing knowledge, different aspects of entomophagy have been discussed. These include the traditional insect consumption methods and the Western society preference of insect products rather than the whole insects. Numerous literature support the consumption of edible insects as valuable source of protein. Edible insects are readily available with over 1, 900 species of insects being identified worldwide and edible insects have high nutrient content that surpasses traditional sources of protein. Despite the availability and nutritional value of edible insects, they may pose a health risk to consumers. Further studies needs be conducted to assure food safety in addition to the nutritional potential and proper processing of edible insects.

Keywords

Entomophagy, Health risks, Edible insects, Protein source, Consumption

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 26. 4. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 24. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: Ing. Sarvenaz Khalili Tilami, Ph.D.
• Reader: Kshitiz Pokhrel

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources

Bachelor programme:
Agriculture and Food