Safety evaluation of the oils extracted from edible insects (Tenebrio molitor and Pachymerus nucleorum) as novel food for humans.

Increased concerns about ensuring food safety motivated the exploration of insects as an alternative protein source. It has been reported that Tenebrio molitor (TM) and Pachymerus nucleorum (PN) larvae are great protein and lipid sources with considerable concentrations of unsaturated fatty acids. Nevertheless, little attention has been given to the safety of using these edible insects.

Chemical Composition and Food Potential of Pachymerus nucleorum Larvae Parasitizing Acrocomia aculeata Kernels.

Insect consumption as food is culturally practiced in various regions of the world. In Brazil, there are more than 130 species of edible insects registered, from nine orders, among which stands out the Coleoptera. The larva of the beetle Pachymerus nucleorum Fabricius, 1792, grows into the bocaiuva fruit (Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.

Food Value of Mealworm Grown on Acrocomia aculeata Pulp Flour.

Insects have played an important role as human food throughout history, especially in Africa, Asia and Latin America. A good example of edible insects is the mealworm, Tenebrio molitor Linnaeus, 1758 (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae), which are eaten in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. This species is easily bred in captivity, requiring simple management.