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Scientific Article details

Title Exploring the Future of Edible Insects in Europe
ID_Doc 10050
Authors Mancini, S; Sogari, G; Diaz, SE; Menozzi, D; Paci, G; Moruzzo, R
Title Exploring the Future of Edible Insects in Europe
Year 2022
Published Foods, 11.0, 3
DOI 10.3390/foods11030455
Abstract 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.
Author Keywords entomophagy; novel food; mealworm; grasshopper; cricket; locust; acceptance; alternative protein; sustainability; neophobia
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000757214300001
WoS Category Food Science & Technology
Research Area Food Science & Technology
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/11/3/455/pdf?version=1643891388
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