The EC-funded PROteINSECT project continues to provide answers to key questions surrounding the potential use of insect protein for animal feed. The work of PROteINSECT partners is vital to satisfy the call from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for continued research – a key recommendation of EFSA’s Scientific Opinion of the potential risks associated with using insects as feed.
“With a research mandate encompassing production, processing, quality, safety and consumer acceptance, our partners are ideally positioned to contribute robust data to help fill the current knowledge gaps related to the use of insect protein in animal feed,” said Dr Elaine Fitches, PROteINSECT’s project co-ordinator.
The current need for additional scientifically-published nutritional quality data is being supported by PROteINSECT’s international feeding trials in Europe, China and Africa, where insect-based feed is being used to assess palatability of such feed and monitor for allergenicity in farmed animals and fish. Results of the project’s on-going work into assessing chemical, allergy and microbiological risks from insects and the substrates on which they are fed will be communicated over the coming months.
Whilst the EFSA opinion represents an important stepping stone towards the introduction of insect protein in food and feed in Europe, public opinion will have significant impact moving forward. With this in mind, PROteINSECT is mapping consumer perceptions of animal feed and potential acceptance of buying and eating animal protein fed on insect protein via two international online surveys, one of which can be accessed here.
The results of the project’s scientific research and animal feeding trials will contribute to the development of a White Paper to be placed before the European Parliament to support the ongoing debate concerning regulation and legislation that will drive the use of insect protein in feed.
