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In tropical countries, where human consumption of insects is a traditional practice, insects are mainly harvested in the natural environment. These insects are thus exposed to all forms of pollution, particularly metallic pollutants. However, an inventory of scientific knowledge on the risks related to the consumption of insects is missing in the international scientific literature. It is therefore essential to conduct research on the trace metals (TMEs) contained in insects caught in the wild. The objective of this work is to evaluate the level of accumulation of TMEs by insect species commonly consumed in Togo to estimate the health risk related to insect consumption. To do this, 12 species of insects consumed in their adult stage were collected across the whole territory of Togo. These samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine TMEs. It appears that traces of different metallic elements exist in the samples at variable rates. The aquatic species Cybister tripunctatus is the most contaminated, with levels of cadmium (0.504 mg/kg) and lead (0.501 mg/kg) at the limit of edibility threshold. The concentrations of all TMEs in insects during this study are within acceptable limits for human consumption. The risk of human contamination with TMEs through insect consumption is therefore low.

Edible insects are presented as a source of protein, fat and micronutrients. Consequently, they are an attractive growing environment for microorganisms. Although, professionals in this sector in Sub-Saharan Africa use traditional harvesting, processing and marketing techniques, there is little scientific data on the microorganisms that infest edible insects. The aim of this study was to identify the microorganisms present in the Cirina forda supply chain, the most commercially marketed insect species in Togo. A total of 300 samples of fresh, processed and commercial C. forda caterpillars were collected and analyzed using standard microbiological microorganism identification techniques. The caterpillar was 90% contaminated with Staphylococcus spp, 60% by Escherichia coli, 40% by Enterobacter spp, 40% by Aspergillus niger, 30% by Klebsiella pneumoniae and 10% by Mucor spp, Klebsiella oxytoca, Proteus spp, Serratia spp and Aspergillus flavus. Pathogenic microorganisms are found in all samples at all stages of the supply chain, so caterpillars handled using traditional methods are detrimental to the health of the consumer. The presence of germs indicative of contamination of the caterpillar analyzed exposes consumers to the risk of food poisoning. Keywords: Cirina forda, marketing, microorganisms, Togo

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Aims:  The objective of this study is to determine the nutritional values of Gnathocera trivittata and Gnathocera impressa in order to promote their consumption for food security. Place and Duration of Study: Samples of G. trivittata and G. impressa were caught in Togo in the three following localities: Kparatao (8°57'151"N; 1°11'838"E), Kpéwa (9°16'978"N; 1°14'149"E) and Soudou (9°21'604"N; 1°21'348"E), between September and December 2013. Methodology: The contents of ash, protein, vitamins as well as lipids were determined. Fiber content was obtained. Minerals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and colorimetry. Fatty acid composition of the lipids was determined by gas chromatography and the amino acid composition was obtained by separation of the individual amino acids using the Biochrom 30+ amino acid analyzer. Results: The results reveal that the average protein content of the insects studied ranged from 59.36 to 61.63%. Average lipid levels ranged from 9.09 to 9.86%. They contain all the essential fatty and amino acids. Their average fiber content fluctuates between 8.35 and 10.05%. Regarding the composition of micronutrients, the species studied are very rich in minerals and vitamins. The ratios of minerals, fatty acids and essential amino acids are balanced. Conclusion:  Given the nutritional potentials of the insects studied, they can contribute significantly to the fight against protein-energy and micronutrient malnutrition in Togo.