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Contamination status evaluation and safety aspect exploration for an intensified utilization of edible insects in Kenya (ContamInsect)

02/2020-12/2022

Funding programme / funding institution: Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft

Grant number: 2819DOKA01

Project homepage: -

Project description:

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 increased food security. However, the safety of insects used as food or feed needs to be carefully evaluated. The present project focuses on the exploration of safety aspects for 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 to black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia Illucens) as one of the most relevant edible insects consumed in Africa. In subsequent analysis it will be explored, whether theses 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, if insects turn out to be an effective possibility to safely utilize highly aflatoxin contaminated grains as feed.

Project partners:

  • Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

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Communication

 (1)
Date Title Size
02.02.2022
BfR Communication No 006/2022
Research Project on Safety Aspects of Edible Insects 179.8 KB
PDF-File

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