Mycotoxins on edible insects: Should we be worried?
Antonio Bisconsin-Junior1, Bruno Fonsêca Feitosa2, Fernandus Lopes Silva2
1School of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Federal Institute of Rondônia, Ariquemes, RO, Brazil.
Summary
Edible insects offer a sustainable protein source, but mycotoxin contamination is a concern. Studies show low-contamination substrates are safe for rearing edible insects, with some species effectively excreting toxins.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Toxicology
- Entomology
Background:
- Edible insects are a sustainable alternative protein source.
- Mycotoxins pose food safety risks due to potential human health effects and tissue accumulation.
- Understanding mycotoxin interaction with edible insects is crucial for safe consumption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of mycotoxins on edible insect metabolism and development.
- To evaluate strategies for mitigating mycotoxin contamination in edible insects.
- To assess the potential for mycotoxin accumulation in insect tissues.
Main Methods:
- Examined mycotoxin interactions (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin B1, T-2) in Coleoptera and Diptera species.
- Assessed the impact of low-contamination rearing substrates on insect survival and development.
- Investigated the efficacy of fasting and substrate decontamination on reducing mycotoxin levels.
- Analyzed mycotoxin excretion capacities in different insect species.
Main Results:
- Low mycotoxin contamination in rearing substrates did not impede insect survival or development.
- Fasting and substrate decontamination effectively reduced mycotoxin concentrations in insects.
- No evidence of mycotoxin accumulation in insect larvae tissues was found.
- Coleoptera species demonstrated high mycotoxin excretion, while Hermetia illucens showed lower capacity for specific mycotoxins.
Conclusions:
- Rearing edible insects on substrates with low mycotoxin contamination is feasible.
- Certain insect species, particularly Coleoptera, possess effective mechanisms for mycotoxin excretion.
- These findings support the safe use of low-contamination substrates for edible insect farming.
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