This paper discusses the current state and priorities of Europe-based research on insects as food and feed, based on presentations at a workshop held in December 2015, and discussions that followed. We divide research into studies that focus on farming, health and nutrition, and those that prioritise psychological, social and political concerns. Edible insects are not necessarily universally beneficial. However, certain food insects can convert organic waste material, and provide nutrient-rich protein for humans and animals. Recent research is not concordant when trying to identify social and psychological barriers to insects as food in Europe, indicating the complexity of the issue of consumer acceptance. Innovative means of marketing insects as food include 3D printing, scientific comics, and the promotion of rural food culture in an urban setting. Edible insects are intimately connected to strong cultural and regional values, and their increasing commercialisation may empower and/or disenfranchise those who hold such values. We conclude with a discussion about the future priorities of edible insect research in Europe. We acknowledge the political nature of the ‘entomophagy’ movement. With legislative change, the insect food industry potential presents an opportunity to challenge the dynamics of current food systems. We identify the following priorities for future research: the need to better understand environmental impacts of insect procurement on both a regional and global scale, to investigate factors affecting the safety and quality of insect foods, to acknowledge the complexity of consumer acceptance, and to monitor the social and economic impacts of this growing industry.
OPINION ARTICLE
Insects as food and feed: European perspectives on recent research and future priorities
C.L.R. Payne Related information
1Conservation Science Group, Department of Zoology, David Attenborough Building, University of Cambridge, New Museums site, Cambridge, CB2 3QY, United Kingdom.
2British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Department of Population Health, New Richards Building, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, OX3 7LF, United Kingdom.
*charlotte. payne@gmail. com
, D. Dobermann Related information2British Heart Foundation Centre on Population Approaches for Non-Communicable Disease Prevention, Department of Population Health, New Richards Building, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, OX3 7LF, United Kingdom.
*charlotte.
3Rothamsted Research, Biological Chemistry and Crop Protection, West Common, Harpenden, AL5 2JQ, United Kingdom.
, A. Forkes Related information4Division of Mechanical Engineering and Design, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, SE1 0AA London, United Kingdom.
, J. House Related information5Department of Geography, University of Sheffield, Winter Street, Sheffield, S10 2TN, United Kingdom.
, J. Josephs Related information6The Bug Shack Ltd, 50 Harland Rd, Bournemouth, BH6 4DW, United Kingdom.
, A. McBride Related information7School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
, A. Müller Related information8Department of Social Sciences, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Universitätsstraβe 3B, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
, R.S. Quilliam Related information9Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA, United Kingdom.
, S. Soares Related information4Division of Mechanical Engineering and Design, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, 103 Borough Road, SE1 0AA London, United Kingdom.
Journal of Insects as Food and Feed: 2
(4)- Pages: 269 - 276
Published Online: September 15, 2016
Abstract
Keywords: entomophagy, food security, food systems, insect farming, insect industry
2022 Journal Impact Factor
5.7
source: Journal Impact Factor 2023™ from Clarivate™
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Now available: Open Access JIFF Special Issue as follow-up of the book 'Insects as food and feed: from production to consumption'
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