Entomophagy: Nutritional Value, Benefits, Regulation and Food Safety
The consumption of insects as food is an ancient practice that remains widespread in many regions of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. However, this tradition has largely disappeared in Western countries, where it is often met with aversion. Nutritionally, insects can contain up to 60–70% pr...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Foods |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/13/2380 |
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| author | Noélia A. Pinheiro Liliana J. G. Silva Angelina Pena André M. P. T. Pereira |
| author_facet | Noélia A. Pinheiro Liliana J. G. Silva Angelina Pena André M. P. T. Pereira |
| author_sort | Noélia A. Pinheiro |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The consumption of insects as food is an ancient practice that remains widespread in many regions of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. However, this tradition has largely disappeared in Western countries, where it is often met with aversion. Nutritionally, insects can contain up to 60–70% protein (dry weight), along with beneficial fats, minerals, and vitamins, making them comparable to commonly consumed protein sources. Additionally, they contain bioactive compounds that offer health benefits and can contribute to reducing social inequalities in food access. As a sustainable protein source, insects have the potential to meet the demands of a projected global population of 9.7 billion by 2050. From a regulatory perspective, legislation on edible insects is still emerging in many parts of the world, with significant regional differences in the approval process, safety requirements, and permitted species. However, ensuring their safety—particularly in terms of production, preservation, storage, and potential health risks—is crucial. By addressing these concerns, it may be possible to shift the prevailing negative perception in Western societies and enhance consumer acceptance. Thus, we performed a literature review encompassing several issues regarding entomophagy, like insects’ nutritional composition, legislation, benefits, and food safety, and also addressing future perspectives. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-3e2bfb13ba7740e1b71b7bb3a4da15cb |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2304-8158 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Foods |
| spelling | doaj-art-3e2bfb13ba7740e1b71b7bb3a4da15cb2025-08-20T03:28:32ZengMDPI AGFoods2304-81582025-07-011413238010.3390/foods14132380Entomophagy: Nutritional Value, Benefits, Regulation and Food SafetyNoélia A. Pinheiro0Liliana J. G. Silva1Angelina Pena2André M. P. T. Pereira3LAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Stª Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, PortugalLAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Stª Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, PortugalLAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Stª Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, PortugalLAQV, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Stª Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, PortugalThe consumption of insects as food is an ancient practice that remains widespread in many regions of Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. However, this tradition has largely disappeared in Western countries, where it is often met with aversion. Nutritionally, insects can contain up to 60–70% protein (dry weight), along with beneficial fats, minerals, and vitamins, making them comparable to commonly consumed protein sources. Additionally, they contain bioactive compounds that offer health benefits and can contribute to reducing social inequalities in food access. As a sustainable protein source, insects have the potential to meet the demands of a projected global population of 9.7 billion by 2050. From a regulatory perspective, legislation on edible insects is still emerging in many parts of the world, with significant regional differences in the approval process, safety requirements, and permitted species. However, ensuring their safety—particularly in terms of production, preservation, storage, and potential health risks—is crucial. By addressing these concerns, it may be possible to shift the prevailing negative perception in Western societies and enhance consumer acceptance. Thus, we performed a literature review encompassing several issues regarding entomophagy, like insects’ nutritional composition, legislation, benefits, and food safety, and also addressing future perspectives.https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/13/2380regulatory frameworkhealth benefitsfood safetyfood hazardsnutritional composition |
| spellingShingle | Noélia A. Pinheiro Liliana J. G. Silva Angelina Pena André M. P. T. Pereira Entomophagy: Nutritional Value, Benefits, Regulation and Food Safety Foods regulatory framework health benefits food safety food hazards nutritional composition |
| title | Entomophagy: Nutritional Value, Benefits, Regulation and Food Safety |
| title_full | Entomophagy: Nutritional Value, Benefits, Regulation and Food Safety |
| title_fullStr | Entomophagy: Nutritional Value, Benefits, Regulation and Food Safety |
| title_full_unstemmed | Entomophagy: Nutritional Value, Benefits, Regulation and Food Safety |
| title_short | Entomophagy: Nutritional Value, Benefits, Regulation and Food Safety |
| title_sort | entomophagy nutritional value benefits regulation and food safety |
| topic | regulatory framework health benefits food safety food hazards nutritional composition |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/14/13/2380 |
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