Edible Insects and Sustainable Development Goals

Moruzzo, Roberta; Mancini, Simone; Guidi, Alessandra

doi:10.3390/insects12060557

Cited by 56 publications

(59 citation statements)

References 41 publications

(68 reference statements)

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“…The by-products derived from their production, such as the insect frass, can be used as a fertiliser. This enables the reintroduction of insect rearing substrates back into the food production chain, which is consistent with the circular economy’s principles [ 20 ] and SDGs [ 21 ] ( Figure 1 ). The importance of insects in CE was pointed out by Cadinu et al [ 22 ].…”

Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 74%

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): Potential and Challenges to Promote Circular Economy

Moruzzo

Riccioli

Diaz

et al. 2021

Animals

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Over the last few years, the concept of Circular Economy (CE) has received a lot of attention due to its potential contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially by reconciling economic growth with the protection of the environment through its grow-make-use-restore approach. The use of insects in circular production systems has been a good example of this concept as insects can transform a wide range of organic waste and by-products into nutritious feedstuffs, which then go back into the production cycle. This paper explores the potential of mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) in circular production systems by reviewing their use and applicability in several industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food, etc. Despite the high versatility of this insect and its potential as a substitute source of nutrients and other valuable components, there are still many legislative and behavioural challenges that hinder its adoption and acceptance.

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Section: Introductionsupporting

confidence: 74%

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): Potential and Challenges to Promote Circular Economy

Moruzzo

Riccioli

Diaz

et al. 2021

Animals

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“…Insects, as poikilotherm animals, can convert feed (substrates) with high efficiency in their body, decreasing the feed conversion ratio. Several international agencies and organizations have identified insects as one of the players in the commercial food chain in the future and as an active actor in reducing the environmental impact while increasing animal production [1,2]. Several international organizations are supporting the sector worldwide, such as IPIFF (International Platform of Insects as Food and Feed, Brussels, Belgium), AFFIA (Asian Food and Feed Insect Association, Bangkok, Thailand), NACIA (North America Coalition for Insect Agriculture, Chicago, IL, USA), and IPAA (Insect Protein Association of Australia, Canberra, ACT).…”

Section: European Market Of Insectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exploring the Future of Edible Insects in Europe

Mancini

Sogari

Diaz

et al. 2022

Foods

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The effects of population increase and food production on the environment have prompted various international organizations to focus on the future potential for more environmentally friendly and alternative protein products. One of those alternatives might be edible insects. Entomophagy, the practice of eating insects by humans, is common in some places but has traditionally been shunned in others, such as European countries. The last decade has seen a growing interest from the public and private sectors to the research in the sphere of edible insects, as well as significant steps forward from the legislative perspective. In the EU, edible insects are considered novel foods, therefore a specific request and procedure must be followed to place them in the market; in fact, until now, four requests regarding insects as a novel food have been approved. Insects could also be used as feed for livestock, helping to increase food production without burdening the environment (indirect entomophagy). Market perspectives for the middle of this decade indicate that most of the demand will be from the feed sector (as pet food or livestock feed production). Undoubtedly, this sector is gaining momentum and its potential relies not only in food, but also in feed in the context of a circular economy.

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“…This lack of improvement might be associated with the age of participants (<5 years) and various external factors, including difficulties in administering the food and poor adherence to treatment [ 45 , 63 ]. According to social development goals (SDGs), European countries are making efforts towards more sustainable alternative proteins and, in terms of accessibility, edible insects can offer new opportunities to underdeveloped countries [ 64 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Ros-Baró

Casas‐Agustench

Díaz-Rizzolo

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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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.

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Edible Insects and Sustainable Development Goals

Cited by 56 publications

References 41 publications

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): Potential and Challenges to Promote Circular Economy

Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor): Potential and Challenges to Promote Circular Economy

Exploring the Future of Edible Insects in Europe

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

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