Edible insects are becoming an increasingly popular source of protein and many people are choosing to include them in their diet. One of the misinformation is that insects contain parasites and mites and transmit various diseases to humans. As is the case with other foods, certain rules of hygiene apply when eating edible insects. If these rules are followed, the risk of transmitting parasites and diseases is minimal and in some cases even lower than with other foods.
In this article we will address this myth and explain that it is not true.
Fact #1:
It is always important to process insects that are used as food before eating them. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), heat treatment of insects is recommended to remove all undesirable substances. Processing can include boiling, frying or drying and such a process eliminates any undesirable substances present in edible insects. And not only during processing, but also during storage or other handling, various hygiene measures must be observed throughout the production chain to prevent risks.
Fact #2:
Insects for human consumption are raised on specialised farms that are regularly inspected by the competent authorities to ensure that the insect farms comply with hygiene standards.
Insects for human consumption are fed with special feeds and fruits that must be certified and approved. The feed and fruit are carefully selected and tested to ensure safety and health, so the risk of parasites and disease is minimal.
Fact #3:
Eating edible insects is a perfectly safe and healthy choice. Insects that are intended for human consumption are carefully selected, fed and processed to ensure that they are safe to eat, both health and hygiene-wise. Therefore, there is no need to worry about parasites and mites in edible insects, as well as the transmission of diseases.
Fact #4:
Although many people fear that insects contain mites, there is nothing to worry about. Mites are all around us and are a normal part of our environment. Mites do not avoid common foods such as fruits and vegetables and can even be found in our homes. So if you are worried about mites, you should be careful when handling any food, not just edible insects.
Fact #5:
Many people are concerned about disease transmission. It is important to remember that, as with other foods, certain hygiene rules apply to edible insects. It is important to follow the rules for proper storage and handling of food to minimise the risk of disease transmission.
In countries where the consumption of edible insects is commonly practised, diseases transmitted to humans from insects are very rare. Cases of infection are usually associated with improper handling of food or failure to observe basic hygiene rules.
Conclusion:
It is important to mention that if an insect does become infected with parasites, most parasites are unable to survive in the human digestive tract. The human digestive system is capable of destroying most foreign organisms, which include parasites. In case parasites get into the digestive tract of a person, there will be no serious consequences.
As edible insects are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to traditional food sources, it is important to stress that edible insects are no more of a health risk than other foods. As long as basic hygiene principles are followed, edible insects are a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional food sources.