What are the risks?
Possible risks of entomophagy are those associated with any food source. Research on shelf-life and food safety to avoid spoilage is limited. Simple preservation and cooking methods are currently employed to increase shelf-life and make them safe to eat. High nutrient and moisture levels in the guts of insects mean conditions are optimal for bacterial growth. Heating destroys Enterobacteriaceae, a family of bacteria found in the intestines of many organisms; however some spore-forming bacteria are able to survive. Processes such as acidifying and drying have potential, but require research (Klunder et al. 2012).
A risk associated with pest harvesting is intoxication via indirect consumption of inedible pesticides. Gas chromatography of residues taken from locusts in Kuwait found high concentrations of pesticides. Phosphorus-containing pesticides in particular are toxic to humans (Saeed et al. 1993). Humans consuming these locusts are therefore exposed to health problems. This is a concern in developing countries where entomophagy is common and healthcare is scarce.
Insect safari at Basingstoke, UK
A risk associated with pest harvesting is intoxication via indirect consumption of inedible pesticides. Gas chromatography of residues taken from locusts in Kuwait found high concentrations of pesticides. Phosphorus-containing pesticides in particular are toxic to humans (Saeed et al. 1993). Humans consuming these locusts are therefore exposed to health problems. This is a concern in developing countries where entomophagy is common and healthcare is scarce.
Insects present a variety of allergens. Injectant allergens, from wasps and bees are well known. However, contactant and inhalant allergens are more frequent. Allergic reactions by contactants result from contact with insect body parts or waste products, and by inhalants when inhaling dust particles of cast skins or excreta. The effects are anything from dermatitis to bronchial asthma (Rumpold & Schluter 2013).
Another issue with entomophagy is that of overexploitation. Limited employment in Mexico, for example, results in inexperienced and ignorant workers capturing insects for sale. Tulancalco specifically has seen a dramatic decrease in population sizes of edible insects, with an influx of non-natives taking advantage of pest harvesting opportunities. This has led to degradation of ecosystems (Ethnomed 2006). For entomophagy to be a sustainable practice, conservation strategies based on entomological knowledge are needed.
Another issue with entomophagy is that of overexploitation. Limited employment in Mexico, for example, results in inexperienced and ignorant workers capturing insects for sale. Tulancalco specifically has seen a dramatic decrease in population sizes of edible insects, with an influx of non-natives taking advantage of pest harvesting opportunities. This has led to degradation of ecosystems (Ethnomed 2006). For entomophagy to be a sustainable practice, conservation strategies based on entomological knowledge are needed.