Edible Insects and Global Food Security

Dear Colleagues,

Continuing population growth and profound changes in dietary patterns, often characterized by Westernization processes especially in East and Southeast Asian countries, are going to generate considerable pressure on the world's supply of animal protein. Therefore, the need to meet the rising protein demand, which is estimated to increase sharply over the next 20 years, is a global challenge. This challenge is made more complex by the need to support the growth of the market for animal proteins, while considering social and environmental issues, which are at the core of sustainability as well.

Over the last decade, a number of studies have been carried out on edible insects and their utilization, and we now possess a considerable amount of information: insects are nutritious, consist of valuable protein and easily digestible fatty acids, and contain important minerals and vitamins, and recommendations exist regarding how to breed the most lucrative species optimally, both for human and animal consumption. We also know that consumers’ attitudes towards insect-based foods are generally quite unfavorable. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge that must be filled.

This Special Issue welcomes papers dealing with insects as an alternative source of protein for food and feed. The acceptance of entomophagy, for example, is a timely topic with several important questions still unanswered, both from consumers’ and stakeholders’ perspectives; other topics of interest include the production of protein extracts to supplement diet and combat malnutrition; the environmental and economic impact of insect utilization; and the production of protein-intensive feed.

We hope that this Special Issue will stimulate an inspiring and broad discussion on the proposed topics.

Dr. Fabio Verneau
Dr. Francesco La Barbera
Dr. Mario Amato
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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