The chemical and microbial safety of insect-based feed and food

Publication date: 11/02/2025
Extent: 22 pages

Contributions by: Christelle Planche and Erwan Engel, INRAE - UR370 Animal Products Quality Unit, France; and Christina Nielsen-LeRoux, Université Paris-Saclay – INRAE-UMR1319 Micalis-AgroParisTech, France

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter discusses chemical and pathogen hazards related to industrial production of selected insect species such as the yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and house cricket (Acheta domesticus), both of which are authorized for human food and animal feed in the European Union (EU). The chapter also considers black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) (Hermetia illucens) which are only allowed as animal feed in Europe. The chapter reviews hazards associated with rearing, processing and storage of the insect and derived products focussing particularly on chemicals and pathogens known to be of risk for human consumption. The chapter also discusses techniques related to hazard detection and monitoring.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2024.0139.16