Edible insects are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional protein sources such as meat or fish. However, many are concerned about whether eating insects is safe and hygienic. In this article, we explain how edible insects are raised on specialised farms and how hygiene is ensured.
Unlike insects that occur in nature, edible insects that are intended for human consumption are reared on specialised farms. These farms are different from conventional livestock farms, both in terms of size and the way they are kept.
4 principles and conditions of farms
- Edible insects are reared in a controlled environment that is specifically designed to provide optimum conditions for the growth and development of the insects. In addition, farms specialising in the rearing of edible insects must adhere to strict hygiene standards.
- Each farm must meet cleanliness and hygiene requirements. The process of rearing insects must be carefully monitored to ensure proper quality and food safety. Farms also regularly clean and disinfect the areas where the insects are kept.
- To minimise the risk of disease transmission, each insect must be inspected and made safe before it enters our diets. The insects must be reared on special feeds that are approved and certified by the inspection bodies.
- Edible insects are therefore reared in safe and hygienic conditions on specialised farms. These farms try to minimise the risks associated with eating insects and thus provide a safe source of protein for humans. So if you are hesitant to start eating edible insects, don't worry. As long as you choose a quality source of insects, you can be assured that it is a safe and hygienic food.
Benefits of farms
The benefits of raising insects on specialist farms are many. Farms are designed not only to ensure the high quality and safety of the insects, but also to minimise the impact on the environment.
Most insects are reared on special substrates that allow efficient use of feed and minimise waste. High quality substrates are used for insect rearing and regular checks are carried out on the input materials through sampling. It is always important to observe the principles of hygiene. The substrate chosen is selected on the basis of the insect species concerned, each batch is properly labelled and the substrate must always be clean. The containers containing the insects and substrates must be thoroughly cleaned between each production batch, so hygiene is always the first priority.
Insects are also fast-growing and a very efficient source of protein, which is a big plus at a time when the world's population is growing and the need for food is increasing.
The environmental friendliness of insect farming is also an important advantage. Compared to traditional protein sources such as cattle and pigs, insect farming is much less demanding on water, land and other resources. Insects also produce fewer greenhouse gases than other animals and minimise the amount of waste that has to be disposed of. This makes it not only a healthy and tasty alternative to meat, but also a more environmentally friendly food source.
Choosing insects
When choosing insects as a food source, it is important to remember that quality is key. Insects consumed in countries where they are not a common food may be obtained from unknown sources and may be contaminated with pesticides and other hazardous substances. It is therefore important to choose insects from specialised farms where great efforts are made to maintain hygiene and quality.
Nowadays, more and more restaurants and shops are offering insects as an alternative to conventional protein sources. These sources include not only dried insect products but also food and beverages prepared using insects. If you are interested in this alternative, feel free to try some of these products and discover new flavours and ways of eating.
Raising insects on specialised farms and eating them can be a sustainable alternative to traditional sources of protein. If you choose to consume edible insects, it is important to choose a quality and reliable supplier whose products have been produced on specialised farms with strict hygiene standards.
Eating edible insects may be a new and unusual experience for some, but for many people it has become a regular part of their diet. If you are interested in experimenting with new flavours and finding new sources of protein, edible insects are a great choice.