Publications by authors named "Nathan Meijer"

In their natural habitat, insects may bioaccumulate toxins from plants for defence against predators. When insects are accidently raised on feed that is contaminated with toxins from co-harvested herbs, this may pose a health risk when used for human or animal consumption. Plant toxins of particular relevance are the pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are genotoxic carcinogens produced by a wide variety of plant species and the tropane alkaloids (TAs) which are produced by a number of Solanaceae species.

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Black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) receive growing interest as a potential alternative animal feed source. These insects may be exposed to insecticide residues in the rearing substrate. This study aimed to investigate the effects of six different pyrethroid and organophosphate insecticides on this insect species' performance.

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In 2005 and 2010, the European Commission (EC) published two subsequent 'Road Maps' to provide options for relaxation of the bans on the application of animal proteins in feed. Since then, the food production system has changed considerably and demands for more sustainability and circularity are growing louder. Many relaxations envisioned in the second Road Map have by now been implemented, such as the use of processed animal proteins (PAPs) from poultry in pig feed and vice versa.

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The presence of carcinogenic aflatoxins in food and feed is a major issue. In prior studies, aflatoxin B (AfB) and known primary metabolites were absent from Lesser Mealworm (LMW, ) reared on contaminated diets. LMW is a promising alternative protein source.

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Article Synopsis
  • The global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, necessitating a 60% increase in food production, with a critical focus on expanding protein sources.
  • Edible insects present an efficient solution by converting low-grade food waste into high-quality protein, making them essential for a sustainable food economy.
  • The SUSINCHAIN project aims to enhance the insect value chain in Europe by overcoming economic barriers, collaborating with stakeholders, and developing technologies to promote insect protein in both animal feed and human diets.
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Residues of persistent insecticides may be present in the substrates on which insects are reared for food and feed, which may affect insect growth or survival. In addition, insecticidal substances may bio-accumulate in reared insects. The objective of this study was to assess potential effects of selected insecticides on the growth and survival of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL, Hermetia illucens) and on their safety when used as animal feed.

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Contamination of African staple foods is a major issue for human and animal health, nutrition, and trade. This review aimed to collect and synthesize the available evidence on geographical spread, scale of contamination, disease burden, economic impact, and mitigation measures for aflatoxins in Africa by way of a systematic literature review. This knowledge can enhance management strategies for the major challenges to combat aflatoxins.

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The larvae of the black soldier fly ( L., BSFL) have received increased industrial interest as a novel protein source for food and feed. Previous research has found that insects, including BSFL, are capable of metabolically converting aflatoxin B (AFB), but recovery of total AFB is less than 20% when accounting for its conversion to most known metabolites.

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Availability and safety of food ranks among the basic requirements for human beings. The importance of the food producing sector, inclusive of feed manufacturing, demands a high level of regulation and control. This paper will present and discuss the relationships in the triangle of legislation, the background of hazards with a biological nature, and opportunities for monitoring methods, most notable for prion-based diseases as primary issue.

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