Entomophagy: A sustainable food alternative to save planet

Introduction

Experts predict that by 2050, the global population will increase to around nine billion individuals.^[1], ^[2] In order to satisfy the increasing need for food, food production must undergo a twofold increase.^[1] Confronted with these challenges, there's a pressing need to reassess food production, making the adoption of sustainable and efficient food sources absolutely essential.^[3], ^[4] As per Chaalala, alternative protein sources are projected to capture up to one-third of the protein market by 2054.^[5] In 2009, the FAO released a report advocating for insects as a sustainable nutritional option due to the escalating challenges posed by accelerated climate change, environmental degradation, and dwindling resources. As a result, it's conceivable that insects could become a primary source of nutrition for much of the global population in the future, a practice known as entomophagy. This shift could significantly promote more sustainable consumption habits, thereby contributing to the preservation of our planet's future. Unlike meat consumption, which emits greenhouse gases like methane, CO2, and nitrous oxide, insects have a smaller environmental footprint. While they require less land, water, and feed per unit compared to traditional livestock, their nutritional value is equivalent to crop products. Additionally, insects generate less waste, and their excrement, known as frass, serves as an effective fertilizer and soil enhancer. One of the major advantages of cultivating edible insects for human consumption is their ability to thrive on food waste.

Entomophagy: The concept of entomophagy, or the consumption of insects, is not new to contemporary society, as it has historical roots in past human cultures.^[6] Currently, around 2.5 billion individuals worldwide incorporate over 1900 species of insects into their diets as a fundamental component.^[7] Its traditional practice was started about 7000 years ago.^[8], ^[9] Beetles and ants' larvae are palatable food in African tribes.^[10] while in Australia and Thailand; crispy fried locusts are appealing to many people.^[11] A recent number of 2111 of edible insect species along with entomophilous regions was published by Jongema.^[12] Maximum number/percentage of edible species is included in Coleoptera followed by Lepidoptera, Hymenoptera, Orthoptera, Hemiptera, Isoptera and Diptera. Taking into account the high nutritional value and resource efficiency in rearing insects, they are a more sustainable alternative to conventionally produced animal protein.^[1], ^[2], ^[13], ^[14], ^[15]

Key drivers in Entomophagy

a) Feed Conversion Ratio: The focus on proper food consumption is becoming more important, considering both the quality and quantity aspects. Achieving high output with minimal input is crucial for sustainably producing top-quality food, especially protein sources. When comparing the Feed Conversion Ratios (FCRs) of various animals like pork, chicken, beef, and insects, it guides us towards producing healthier meat sources compared to traditional ones. The subsequent FCRs per kilogram of feed input are: pork (5 kg), chicken (2.5 kg), and beef (10 kg).^[17] The typical edible portion percentages for various meats are as follows: pork (55%), chicken (58%), beef (40%), and crickets (80%).^[18] All indications indicate that crickets have a FCR efficiency twice that of chicken, four times that of pork, and twelve times that of beef. The higher FCR ratio of crickets compared to livestock suggests their poikilothermic nature and significantly reduced use of metabolic energy during their developmental stages.^[19]

a) Footprints of Water and Land: Approximately 1.8 billion individuals reside in various regions facing inadequate access to water, and by 2025, around two-thirds of the global population will lack access to freshwater sources.^[21] An estimate suggests that roughly 70% of the total water usage is attributed to livestock farming and agricultural activities.^[22] A water footprint represents the volume of fresh water used to produce a particular product. Due to their cold-blooded nature, insects have a significantly higher Food Conversion Efficiency (FCE) compared to other types of livestock and poultry. Mealworms, for example, require a much smaller water footprint (less than 2 liters per kilogram) compared to other livestock (2200 liters per kilogram) and can be raised on organic waste.^[23], ^[24], ^[25] The availability of arable land is a key consideration for agricultural activities. There is a direct correlation between the availability of agricultural land and the practice of livestock farming.^[26] Calculated and estimated data on land usage by Locusta migratoria and Tenebrio molitor indicate the minimal land requirements for commercial insect farming.^[27]

a) Greenhouse Gases Emission: Greenhouse gases emission is considered as noxious in creating global warming^[30] The agricultural sector and livestock farms are notorious for emitting carbon dioxide (14.8 kg), as well as being major contributors to the global emissions of methane (31%) and nitrous oxide (65%). These emissions primarily originate from the use of fertilizers on feed crops and from manure.^[31], ^[32], ^[33] Insects like termites, cockroaches, and scarab beetles also contribute to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions because of the presence of bacteria within them.^[34] Yet, when comparing commercially farmed edible species such as Tenebrio molitor (mealworm), Locusta migratoria (locust), and Acheta domesticus (house cricket), there is favorable evidence indicating lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.^[35] When compared to other sources, livestock is the primary contributor to ammonia production, accounting for approximately two-thirds of total emissions.^[31] An evaluation of the lifecycle of marketable crickets in Thailand showed a smaller environmental footprint compared to that of broiler chickens.^[36] Insects utilize organic waste as an additional component of their diet, enhancing the sustainability of their farming practices.^[37], ^[38]

Food Neophobia: Food neophobia refers to a person's inclination to refuse unfamiliar or novel foods.^[13], ^[40] Therefore, assessing the degree of food neophobia is a common practice in most studies exploring consumers' willingness to accept insects as food.^[15], ^[41], ^[42], ^[43], ^[44]. Based on current research, there is an inverse relationship between consumers' food neophobia and their likelihood to consume insects, whether as a standalone food or as an ingredient in dishes.^[41] Food neophobia, along with factors such as perceived health advantages, convenience, gender, past eating habits, and sensitivity to disgust, greatly influences the willingness of consumers in Western countries to consume insects.^[15], ^[45]. Research shows that empirical analysis is a more effective predictor than other significant variables, including subjective and objective knowledge.^[46]

Major Groups of Edible Insects

Lepidoptera - caterpillar, silkworm

Hymenoptera - bee, wasp

Orthoptera - locust, cricket, grasshopper

Hemiptera - true bugs, cicadas, leafhoppers, plant hoppers, scale insects

Isoptera - termites

Opisthopora

Utraceutical Benefits: Insects offer a diverse array of health benefits, with their medicinal properties varying based on factors such as their environment, diet, and life stage. Termites, for example, are packed with protein, essential amino acids like tryptophan, and various micronutrients, including iron. Incorporating termites into daily meals could boost iron levels and potentially combat anemia, particularly in developing regions.^[49] Termites are employed in the treatment of numerous ailments such as asthma, sinusitis, hoarseness, influenza, bronchitis, and whooping cough, as outlined in [Table 2]. Additionally, they are utilized in addressing malnutrition among individuals.

Cultivation and Processing of Edible Insects

One of the main reasons for considering insects as food is their efficient conversion of feed into protein mass and their rapid production compared to traditional protein sources like animals and plants. [Figure 5] explains the crucial role of insect rearing in this process. The economic feasibility plays a significant role in determining the viability of insect farming, making it essential to find cost-effective methods for feeding and rearing edible insects, a topic widely discussed in the literature. Insect feed production poses less competition with human food production compared to animal feed production. Animal feed can include supplements like fish meal, bone meal, blood, and various plant proteins from sources such as sunflower, soybean, and cotton seedcake.^[51], ^[52], ^[53]

During the rainy seasons in many parts of Western and Eastern Africa, termites are gathered as they come out of holes in the ground. This typically happens between April and October in Western Kenya. Insects are commonly eaten whole or can be processed into granular or paste forms.^[54] The insects are typically cooked by boiling them briefly, then drying them in the sun before frying them in their own fat. Some people prefer to dip crickets in hot water for a minute, then sun-dry and grind them for use in various dishes like porridge, cookies, and sweet treats. Alternatively, they can be deep-fried until crispy and enjoyed whole, with the deep-fried version being particularly popular due to its delightful aroma and flavour.^[55] Numerous research studies have indicated that how insects are prepared significantly influences people's willingness to consume them. However, so far, there has been little investigation into consumer expectations and preferences regarding various aspects of insect preparation, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Figure 6 displays the processing flowchart for insects.^[56]

Zoonotic diseases: Large-scale breeding of livestock can elevate the likelihood of pathogens affecting humans and other related animals, and in some instances, contribute to antibiotic resistance.^[59] Diseases like Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, H5N1 avian influenza, and swine fever are cited in this context. These pathogens pose a significant risk to human health.^[60], ^[61] By contrast, insects are less likely to transmit zoonotic diseases to humans, likely because of the limited contact between them.^[62], ^[63]

Toxicity and Allergy: In various regions worldwide, local populations have a history of consuming insects, but instances of poisoning and allergic reactions have been documented. In south-west Nigeria, cases of seasonal ataxic syndrome following the consumption of silkworms have been reported. Ataxia, characterized by a loss of full control over bodily movements, can be caused by thiamine deficiency. The larvae of Anaphevenata contain thiaminase, an enzyme resistant to heat, which, when consumed in silkworms, can break down thiamine in the human body, leading to acute ataxia.^[64] The growth of microbes in insects can result in the transmission of toxins through insect-derived foods. Initially, freshly reared mealworms tend to have a total viable microorganism count of 7–8 log cfu/g. It is essential to reduce this elevated microbial level in mealworms initially and then prevent any subsequent microbial growth to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Acceptance of Edible Insects across The Globe: Consuming insects as both food and feed is a common practice among numerous ethnic communities in Africa, Asia, South America, and Mexico, with varying levels of acceptance across different biogeographical areas.^[65] Based on available literature, around 250 types of edible insects have been documented in Africa.^[10], In Thailand, there are 50 palatable species from the Meimuna, Allonemobius, and Cotinis genera, as documented in reference.^[66] Additionally, Mexico has recorded 348 appetizing species.^[67] China has identified 187 species, including Bombyx mori, Antheraea pernyi, Tenebrio molitor, Apis cerana, Locusta migratoria, Odontotermes formosanus, and Anax parthenope, as stated in reference.^[68] Japan has 55 tempting species like Oxya yezoensis, Oxya japonica, Vespula lewisii, and Bombyx, which are consumed.^[69], Meanwhile, India has documented 60 species of edible insects.^[70] Recent research indicates an increased willingness, particularly among populations not traditionally accustomed to eating insects, to consume products that incorporate ground insects rather than whole ones.

Zoonotic diseases: Large-scale breeding of livestock can elevate the likelihood of pathogens affecting humans and other related animals, and in some instances, contribute to antibiotic resistance. Diseases like Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, foot and mouth disease, H5N1 avian influenza, and swine fever are cited in this context. These pathogens pose a significant risk to human health.^[60], ^[61] By contrast, insects are less likely to transmit zoonotic diseases to humans, likely because of the limited contact between them.^[62], ^[63]

Toxicity and Allergy: In various regions worldwide, local populations have a history of consuming insects, but instances of poisoning and allergic reactions have been documented. In south-west Nigeria, cases of seasonal ataxic syndrome following the consumption of silkworms have been reported. Ataxia, characterized by a loss of full control over bodily movements, can be caused by thiamine deficiency. The larvae of Anaphevenata contain thiaminase, an enzyme resistant to heat, which, when consumed in silkworms, can break down thiamine in the human body, leading to acute ataxia.^[64] The growth of microbes in insects can result in the transmission of toxins through insect-derived foods. Initially, freshly reared mealworms tend to have a total viable microorganism count of 7–8 log cfu/g. It is essential to reduce this elevated microbial level in mealworms initially and then prevent any subsequent microbial growth to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.

Acceptance of Edible Insects across The Globe: Consuming insects as both food and feed is a common practice among numerous ethnic communities in Africa, Asia, South America, and Mexico, with varying levels of acceptance across different biogeographical areas.^[65] Based on available literature, around 250 types of edible insects have been documented in Africa.,^[10], In Thailand, there are 50 palatable species from the Meimuna, Allonemobius, and Cotinis genera, as documented in reference.^[66] Additionally, Mexico has recorded 348 appetizing species.^[67] China has identified 187 species, including Bombyx mori, Antheraea pernyi, Tenebrio molitor, Apis cerana, Locusta migratoria, Odontotermes formosanus, and Anax parthenope, as stated in reference.^[68] Japan has 55 tempting species like Oxya yezoensis, Oxya japonica, Vespula lewisii, and Bombyx, which are consumed.^[69], Meanwhile, India has documented 60 species of edible insects.^[70] Recent research indicates an increased willingness, particularly among populations not traditionally accustomed to eating insects, to consume products that incorporate ground insects rather than whole ones.

Conclusion

Entomophagy offers a sustainable solution to consumption by lessening the environmental burden of food production and supplying nutritious food worldwide. Insects boast significant nutritional value, emit fewer greenhouse gases, use minimal land and water, and efficiently convert feed into edible mass, tackling protein shortages. To make this a reality, advancements in farming technology, changes in consumer habits, revised food and feed regulations, and inventive insect utilization are necessary.

Source of Funding

None.

Conflict of Interest

None.