Raising edible insects as a sustainable alternative to meat production

Insects have lived with humanity since its first steps on Earth. Some of them are especially valued, such as silkworms in China; others were hated like cockroaches in most of the world, and some were revered like beetles in Egypt.

These small invertebrates have been featured in art as motifs in sculptures, paintings, poetry and mythology. There are cave paintings in Spain that show honey harvesting 7,500 years ago. We have seen them as allies in solving TV series crimes and have heard of them as biblical plagues.

Due to the existing number and species, insects are among the most common animals on the planet and one of the most adaptable. But in addition, they can be a rich source of animal protein for both humans and farm and domestic animals.

Microanimal or insect breeding

For those who have never tried them, eating insects may seem like a social media challenge. However, millions of people around the world are already doing it, and in some cultures it is a deeply rooted practice. For example, in some cities of central Mexico they eat tacos with escamoles (the most mexican caviar).

This controversial habit of eating insects is known as entomophagy.

Insects can be eaten separately or as part of traditional products, dishes. delicacy and snacks. In addition, in the case of bees, the products they produce are consumed: honey, propolis and royal jelly.

Most insects are collected in the wild, but a small part is bred on farms. Micro-animal farming or breeding of insects in good housing, feeding and hygiene conditions is an alternative to increase food production while significantly reducing pollution.

sustainable food source

Many experts argue that insect production is a more environmentally friendly option than animal meats such as chicken, pork, and beef.

Insects eaten worldwide include agave worms and ants in Mexico, wasps and silkworm pupae in China, bees and giant beetles in Thailand, grasshoppers in Japan and tenebrio larvae, and fried snacks from butterfly caterpillars in the United States.

Eating insects in another country is an act of resistance for migrants and brings them closer to their place of origin and loved ones.

Insect-based ingredients can cost more than even meat. For example, a bottle of mezcal with agave worms in Mexico (up to 150 euros) and a can of soup with moth larvae in Australia are expensive. souvenirs.

Insect farming would help stop deforestation in areas like the Amazon. And preserve the diversity of the planet by pollinating plants.

Insects are very good at converting their food into quality protein. Thus, micro-animal farming can be a business that reduces dependence on foreign food and helps create new jobs to avoid rural abandonment.

Present and Future Possibilities of Insects

Much remains to be understood and learned about insect breeding and consumption. For example, breeding methods, recipes for their preparation and clear rules for their use and sale. Among other things, it needs to be studied for its potential to cause food allergies and health risks when heavily diluted.

It may soon become common to read topics such as the production of cockroach milk. However, the lack of legislation is an obstacle to consumer confidence. There are hardly any efforts, such as the FAO report, to assess the safe consumption of insects.

The European Union has taken a decision on this issue by adopting the EU Regulation on New Foods 2018/456. Insects are already allowed as food, although every product must be scientifically assessed by the European Food Safety Authority.

Another example is Chile, where there is only regulation of its use in animal feed. However, these are still isolated cases.

As with meat, the requirement for non-animal suffering also applies to the production of insects.

In addition, the impact of climate change on them should be studied. If there are pests that can destroy the crop, can they become food in emergencies?

In the case of industrial agriculture, there is an urgent need to reconsider the use of insects in various functions. On the one hand, as pollinators to increase food production. On the other hand, as allies in the use of agricultural by-products, which are currently waste and a source of pollution. And in one of the most pressing issues: reducing and replacing pesticides with biological control of pests and insect diseases.

In public health, there is another great opportunity: the use of insects, which are natural predators of insects that cause disease in the world.

These are just some examples. There is still much to be learned about the capabilities of these small invertebrates.

Edgar Pulido Chavez, Professor of Veterinary Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guadalajara

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original.

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