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Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm) as human food – An approval of the European Commission – A critical review
Abstract
Due to the increasing threat of climate change and the need for sustainable food sources, human consumption of edible insects or entomophagy has gained considerable attention globally. The larvae of Alphitobius diaperinus Panzer (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), also known as the lesser mealworm, have been identified as a promising candidate for mass-rearing as a food source based the on evaluation on several aspects such as the production process, the microbiological and chemical composition, and the potential allergenicity to humans. As a consequence, the European Commission has recently approved the utilization of lesser mealworms as human foods. Lesser mealworms are considered a good source of protein, with a protein content ranging from 50-65% of their dry weight and containing various essential amino acids. Lesser mealworms are also rich in other essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamins B12 and B6. Furthermore, the hydrolysates of lesser mealworms are known to contain antioxidants, suggesting the therapeutic properties of the insects. To enable and ensure a continuous supply of lesser mealworms, various rearing procedures of the insects and information on optimal environmental rearing conditions have been reported. However, like other edible insects, lesser mealworms are still not commonly consumed in Western countries because of various consumer- and product-related factors. Ultimately, the European Commission’s approval of lesser mealworms as a novel food is a key milestone in the development of the insect food industry. Embracing the consumption of edible insects can help address the challenges of feeding a growing population, mitigate the environmental impact of food production, and promote a more sustainable and resilient food system for the future.
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Authors (9)
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Shahida Anusha Siddiqui
- Technical University of Munich
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Y.s. Wu
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Malaysia
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K. Vijeepallam
- AIMST University, Malaysia
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K. Batumalaie
- Sunway College Johor Bahru, Malaysia
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M.h.m. Hatta
- Asia Metropolitan University, Malaysia
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H. Lutuf
- Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Oil Palm Research Institute, Ghana
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I. Fernando
- Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia
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S.a. Ibrahim
- North Carolina A&T State University
Cite as
Full text
- Publication version
- Accepted or Published Version
- DOI:
- Digital Object Identifier (open in new tab) 10.1163/23524588-20240133
- License
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Details
- Category:
- Articles
- Type:
- artykuły w czasopismach dostępnych w wersji elektronicznej [także online]
- Published in:
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Journal of Insects as Food and Feed
pages 1 - 40,
ISSN: - Language:
- English
- Publication year:
- 2024
- Bibliographic description:
- Siddiqui S. A., Wu Y., Vijeepallam K., Batumalaie K., Hatta M., Lutuf H., Castro Munoz R., Fernando I., Ibrahim S., Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm) as human food – An approval of the European Commission – A critical review, Journal of Insects as Food and Feed, 2024,10.1163/23524588-20240133
- DOI:
- Digital Object Identifier (open in new tab) 10.1163/23524588-20240133
- Sources of funding:
-
- Free publication
- Verified by:
- Gdańsk University of Technology
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