Preliminary Data on Essential and Non-essential Element Occurrence in Processed Animal Proteins from Insects

Insects represent a valuable and environmentally friendly protein alternative in food and feed. The Farm to Fork strategy encouraged the reintroduction of animal by-products in feed production to optimise recycling and to valorise under-used resources. In order to grant safe and valuable feed products, this study investigated the black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) chemical risk. Samples collected in different steps of production (8 samples of substrate for culturing, 7 samples of larvae, 15 samples of protein meal, 18 samples of spent substrate) were analysed for microessential elements (chromium, copper, iron, nickel, selenium and zinc) and inorganic contaminants (aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, lead, tin and vanadium) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Microessential elements were found in the following order: Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Se > Cr (mg kg^-1). Non-essential element concentrations were found lower than the set limits according to the European Union Regulations. The growing demand for alternative protein sources for feed production could be partially compensated by black soldier fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) meal, as it appears a good source for high-quality proteins and microessential elements which play a pivotal role in animal growth. In the foreseeable future the current legislation and the official monitoring plans may be implemented and broaden, to focus and assess limits for upcoming matrices, and to ensure feed and food safety.