Are insects bought as pet food safe for human consumption?
I want to try some cooking with insects. So far I found no shop in my town selling insects for human consumption, and online shops I found (so far) where really expensive (10-40€/100g!).
So I'm thinking of buying some pet food insects (most likey cickets or grasshoppers). Are these safe for human consumption?
I'm in Germany, I assume regulations for pet food would apply to these insects (is this so?).
I'm mostly concerned about antibiotics and whatever harmful stuff they might get via their food.
Best Answer
I am unaware of regulations in Germany with regard to edible insects, but in North America, insects must be raised/farmed rather than wildsourced, and they must be specifically raised for human consumption. Everything that the insects are fed, treated with, moisturized with or housed in must be logged. While there are currently no regulations for edible insects as such, producers are advised to adhere to the FDA's regulations regarding the production of seafood. Because standards for pet foods are usually less stringent, it is not advised that humans use insects produced for that purpose.
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Is it safe to consume insects?
Wageningen Food and Safety Research studies if, and to what degree, insects are safe for consumption. There are approximately 2100 different insect species fit for human consumption. Insect meat has a nutritional value similar to that of regular meat.Does pet food have to be safe for human consumption?
Dog food isn't designed for the unique nutrition needs of humans, though it is made from ingredients that are technically safe for humans to eat. Thus, it's not inherently toxic for humans and may be safe in an emergency situation. However, eating dog food may increase your risk of developing foodborne illness.What are some of the insects that are safe to consume?
Contents- Grasshoppers and Crickets.
- Ants.
- Termites.
- Grubs.
- Wood Lice.
- Earthworms.
- Stinkbugs.
- Scorpions.
Can humans digest insect protein?
Insects are a viable protein source for human consumption: from insect protein digestion to postprandial muscle protein synthesis in vivo in humans: a double-blind randomized trial.Is Pet Food Safe for Humans to Eat?
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