Presence of Trace Elements in Edible Insects Commercialized through Online E-Commerce Platform

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Toxicology

Background:

• Edible insects are a growing sustainable protein source.
• Assessing elemental composition is vital for food safety.
• Variability in element content requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the presence and levels of various elements in edible insect-based food products.
• To identify potential risks associated with elemental bioaccumulation in edible insects.
• To provide data for ensuring the safety of edible insects as a global food source.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of edible insect food products using atomic spectroscopy.
• Descriptive statistical analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.
• Comparison of elemental content based on product type, insect species, and country of origin.

Main Results:

• Multiple elements, including arsenic, cadmium, nickel, lead, mercury, and uranium, were detected in edible insect products.
• Significant differences in elemental presence were observed across different product types, insect species, and countries of origin.
• The study identified a need for species-specific assessments due to bioaccumulation factors.

Conclusions:

• The elemental composition of edible insects varies significantly, necessitating careful evaluation for food safety.
• Understanding bioaccumulation factors is essential for determining the suitability of different insect species as food.
• A global, comprehensive approach is required to ensure the safety and sustainability of edible insects as a protein alternative.