While the consumption of insects by humans or entomophagy has traditionally been practiced in various countries for generations and is a common component of the diet of various animal species (birds, fish, mammals), insect breeding for human food and animal nutrition is relatively recent. The production of this ‘mini cattle’ brings with it several potential advantages and challenges. The aim of this document is to provide the reader with an overview of various issues related to food safety that could be related to edible insects. The intended audience of this publication is food safety professionals, policy makers, researchers, insect producers, as well as consumers. Regulatory frameworks governing the production, trade and consumption of insects in various regions are discussed. The document ends with the rise of some other major challenges, such as consumer acceptance and increased production, which the edible insect industry would have to overcome to have a more global reach.

You can open the publication here

FAO Publication: Observing Edible Insects from a Food Safety Perspective