Questions raised on use of insect derived protein in feed
A scientist working on ProTeINSECT, a €3m EU Commission funded insect to feed project, told us in October that initial trials assessing the safety of using insects for feed show fly larvae contain very high levels of heavy metals, putting their use as a potential protein source for pigs and poultry at risk.
“Academics and industry have been pushing for the use of insect derived protein in poultry and pig feed but, until we have more concrete data and feeding trials, legislators are right not to rush into allowing insects enter the food chain,” Adrian Charlton, biochemist at the Food & Environment Research Agency in the UK, told us.