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A closer look at four residual flows as insect feed
Residual flows such as manure or kitchen waste can be used to breed insects, but this is not yet allowed. This has to do with risks regarding food safety. Wageningen University & Research (WUR), together with various partners within the public-private partnership (PPP) project 'Safe Insects', has analysed four potentially suitable residual flows and mapped out the possible dangers.
Potential residual flows
Instead of destroying residual flows, these can be used to breed insects. The residual flows serve as a breeding ground for the larvae of insects. Insects are an interesting alternative source of protein and fat for animal feed and can also be used in food products.
The following four streams have been analysed by WUR:
- household kitchen waste;
- former foods from supermarkets that are out of date or can no longer be sold for other reasons;
- residual flow from slaughterhouses;
- chicken manure.
In order to assess whether these residual flows are suitable as a breeding ground for insects, the researchers looked at various aspects in the context of food safety:
- microbiological hazards such as bacteria, viruses and parasites;
- chemical hazards such as pesticides, veterinary drugs, and heavy metals;
- other environmental pollutants such as packaging residues, PCBs, dioxins and PFAS.
Sustainable insect proteins
The research shows that the four residual flows can be a suitable breeding ground. An important condition for this is the implementation of HACCP measures (risk inventory for foodstuffs) throughout the entire process of insect breeding, from procurement to commercialisation.
The findings of the study are published in a policy letter 'Safe insect rearing on yet to be legalised residual streams'. The researchers hope to help policymakers with possible European legislative changes so that the production of insects on these types of residual flows becomes possible.