Alphitobius diaperinus larvae (lesser mealworm) as human food – An approval of the European Commission – A critical review - Publication - Bridge of Knowledge

Your account

login

Search

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.

Citations

  • 0

    CrossRef

  • 0

    Web of Science

  • 0

    Scopus

Authors (9)

Cite as

Full text

download paper
downloaded 14 times
Publication version
Accepted or Published Version
DOI:
Digital Object Identifier (open in new tab) 10.1163/23524588-20240133
License
Creative Commons: CC-BY open in new tab

Keywords

Details

Category:
Articles
Type:
artykuły w czasopismach dostępnych w wersji elektronicznej [także online]
Published in:
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:
  • COST_FREE
Verified by:
Gdańsk University of Technology

seen 15 times

Recommended for you

Scarabaeidae as human food – A comprehensive review

  • S. A. Siddiqui,
  • K. Ampofo,
  • E. Dery
  • + 4 authors
2023

Edible black ant Smith (Carebara vidua) as human food – A systematic review

  • S. A. Siddiqui,
  • L. Ho,
  • S. Adimulam
  • + 4 authors
2024

Edible dragonflies and damselflies (order Odonata) as human food – A comprehensive review

  • S. A. Siddiqui,
  • K. Asante,
  • N. Ngah
  • + 7 authors
2024

Edible Lepidoptera as human foods – a comprehensive review

  • S. A. Siddiqui,
  • N. Ngah,
  • A. Eddy-Doh
  • + 7 authors
2023
Meta Tags