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Contamination status evaluation and safety aspect exploration for an intensified utilization of edible insects in Kenya (ContamInsect)
Project
Project code: 2819DOKA01
Contract period: 01.11.2019
- 31.01.2023
Budget: 159,148 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development
Keywords: production, animal feed, human nutrition, food safety, maize, product safety, poison/toxins, value chains, other animal species
Insects are a promising source of protein rich food and feed of animal origin due to their high efficiency and low carbon and water footprint. Especially in African countries an intensified use might contribute to increasing food security. However, the safety of insects used as food or feed needs to be carefully evaluated. The present project focuses on safety aspects exploration of the most commonly used insect species in Kenya and the evaluation of the current contamination status concerning chemical contaminants such as mycotoxins, dioxins, PCBs and PAHs. The sample collection will be conducted in Kenya, while the subsequent analysis will be accomplished at The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR). In a second step, a feeding trial will be carried out in Kenya using highly aflatoxin contaminated grains and black soldier fly larvae as one of the most relevant edible insects consumed in Africa. In the subsequent analysis it will be explored, whether these edible insect larvae are capable of growing on toxin contaminated feed and of effectively excreting the toxin without bioaccumulation. The obtained results will be compiled for a report including codes of practice that can be used for dissemination to local farmers and insect processors. Thus, the project aims at improving food safety and food security by promoting a safer production of protein of animal origin and by reintroducing formerly contaminated grains to the value chain. It shall be examinded if insects turn out to be an effective possibility to safely utilize highly aflatoxin contaminated gains as feed.
Section overview
Subjects
- Food Processing
- Toxicology
- Renewable Resources
