Ethical aspects of insect production for food and feed

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Gjerris ◽  
C. Gamborg ◽  
H. Röcklinsberg
Keyword(s):  
High Pressures ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Ethical Aspects ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Human Food ◽  
Feed Production ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
The Impact

Given a growing global human population and high pressures on resources, interest in insects as a source of protein for human food (entomophagy) and for animal feed is growing. So far, the main issues discussed have been the embedded technical challenges of scaling up the production. The use of insects as a major human food and feed source is thought to present two major challenges: (1) how to turn insects into safe, tasty socially acceptable feed and food; and (2) how to cheaply yet sustainably produce enough insects? Entomophagy, however, as any utilisation of animals and the rest of nature also entails ethical issues – both regarding the impact on human health, the environment and climate change and regarding production methods such as intensification and biotechnology. The aim of the paper is to give a systematic overview of ethical aspects embedded in the notion of utilising insects as protein providers in the Western food and feed production chains. We identify five areas where ethical questions are especially pertinent: environmental impact, human and animal health, human preferences and social acceptability, animal welfare and finally broader animal ethics issues. Especially the latter two are more scantly dealt with in the literature. This part of the review will therefore contain suggestions for ethical issues that should be examined closer.

scholarly journals The application of biotechnology in animal nutrition

2015 ◽  
Vol 69 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 127-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dragan Sefer ◽  
Radmila Markovic ◽  
Jelena Nedeljkovic-Trailovic ◽  
Branko Petrujkic ◽  
Stamen Radulovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Feed ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Animal Nutrition ◽  
Feed Production ◽  
Good Production ◽  
Food Of Animal Origin ◽  
Atmosphere Pollution ◽  
Safe Food ◽  
The Impact

Animal food has to incorporate multiple objectives, ie. it should provide good animal health, good production and reproductive performance, reduce pollution of the environment as well as have the impact on food of animal origin, by supplying it, in addition to basic nutrients, with certain useful substances that can act preventively on the occurrence of various diseases in humans in modern living conditions. This complex task implies the application of scientific knowledge concerning biotechnology in the field of animal feed production, and also includes the use of specific nutrients that are the result of the latest developments in specific disciplines such as molecular biology and genetic engineering. As a result of researches in these areas there were created some varieties of cereals and legumes with improved nutritional properties. On the other hand, obtaining a safe food of animal origin product imposes the use of substances of natural origin (such as probiotics, prebiotics, phytobiotics, enzymes, chelating forms ..), which provide better digestibility and more complete utilization of certain nutrients from the feedstuff. In this way, the quantity of undigested substances are significantly reduced as well as soil and the atmosphere pollution. The use of specific additives in animal nutrition resulting from biotechnological research is most frequent when a problem concerning certain level of production or animal health has to be overcome. This implies a group of non-nutritional ingredients which are aimed to regulate the digestive tract microflora, pH, weight gain, as well as to modify metabolic processes etc.

scholarly journals The role of edible insects to mitigate challenges for sustainability

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-36
Author(s):  
Raquel P. F. Guiné ◽  
Paula Correia ◽  
Catarina Coelho ◽  
Cristina A. Costa
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
World Population ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Strong Component ◽  
Human Food ◽  
The World ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Recent Trends

Abstract This review is focused on the utilization of insects as a new opportunity in food and feed products, including their commercialization both in traditional and new markets. It has been suggested that insects are considerably more sustainable when compared with other sources of animal protein, thus alleviating the pressure over the environment and the planet facing the necessity to feed the world population, constantly increasing. Many chefs have adhered to the trend of using insects in their culinary preparations, bringing insects to the plan of top gastronomy, highlighting their organoleptic qualities allied to a recognized high nutritional value. However, in some markets, insects or insect-based products are not readily accepted because of neophobia and disgust. Moreover, the insect markets, farming, and commercialization are experiencing a huge growth, in which the domain of animal feed is undoubtedly a very strong component. The future of insects as human food and animal feed seems promising in view of the recent trends and challenges.

scholarly journals Fumonisins at Doses below EU Regulatory Limits Induce Histological Alterations in Piglets

Toxins ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terciolo ◽  
Bracarense ◽  
Souto ◽  
Cossalter ◽  
Dopavogui ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Feed ◽  
Fusarium Species ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Dietary Exposure ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Histological Alterations ◽  
Regulatory Limits ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

Fumonisins (FBs) are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium species that can contaminate human food and animal feed. Due to the harmful effects of FBs on animals, the European Union (EU) defined a recommendation of a maximum of 5 mg FBs (B1 + B2)/kg for complete feed for swine and 1 µg FBs/kg body weight per day as the tolerable daily intake for humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of dietary exposure to low doses of FBs, including a dose below the EU regulatory limits. Four groups of 24 weaned castrated male piglets were exposed to feed containing 0, 3.7, 8.1, and 12.2 mg/kg of FBs for 28 days; the impact was measured by biochemical analysis and histopathological observations. Dietary exposure to FBs at a low dose (3.7 mg/kg of feed) significantly increased the plasma sphinganine-to-sphingosine ratio. FBs-contaminated diets led to histological modifications in the intestine, heart, lung, lymphoid organs, kidney, and liver. The histological alterations in the heart and the intestine appeared at the lowest dose of FBs-contaminated diet (3.7 mg/kg feed) and in the kidney at the intermediate dose (8.1 mg/kg feed). At the highest dose tested (12.2 mg/kg feed), all the organs displayed histological alterations. This dose also induced biochemical modifications indicative of kidney and liver alterations. In conclusion, our data indicate that FBs-contaminated diets at doses below the EU regulatory limit cause histological lesions in several organs. This study suggests that EU recommendations for the concentration of FBs in animal feed, especially for swine, are not sufficiently protective and that regulatory doses should be modified for better protection of animal health.

scholarly journals Biorefineries – factories of the future

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrzej B. Kołtuniewicz ◽  
Katarzyna Dąbkowska
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Current Level ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Production Methods ◽  
Feed Production ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
Potential Risks

Abstract Efforts were made to demonstrate that in biorefineries it is possible to manufacture all the commodities required for maintaining human civilisation on the current level. Biorefineries are based on processing biomass resulting from photosynthesis. From sugars, oils and proteins, a variety of food, feed, nutrients, pharmaceuticals, polymers, chemicals and fuels can further be produced. Production in biorefineries must be based on a few rules to fulfil sustainable development: all raw materials are derived from biomass, all products are biodegradable and production methods are in accordance with the principles of Green Chemistry and Clean Technology. The paper presents a summary of state-of-the-art concerning biorefineries, production methods and product range of leading companies in the world that are already implemented. Potential risks caused by the development of biorefineries, such as: insecurities of food and feed production, uncontrolled changes in global production profiles, monocultures, eutrophication, etc., were also highlighted in this paper. It was stressed that the sustainable development is not only an alternative point of view but is our condition to survive.

scholarly journals Trichothecenes in Food and Feed, Relevance to Human and Animal Health and Methods of Detection: A Systematic Review

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 454
Author(s):  
Magdalena Polak-Śliwińska ◽  
Beata Paszczyk
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Toxic Effects ◽  
Farm Animals ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
The Impact

Trichothecene mycotoxins are sesquiterpenoid compounds primarily produced by fungi in taxonomical genera such as Fusarium, Myrothecium, Stachybotrys, Trichothecium, and others, under specific climatic conditions on a worldwide basis. Fusarium mold is a major plant pathogen and produces a number of trichothecene mycotoxins including deoxynivalenol (or vomitoxin), nivalenol, diacetoxyscirpenol, and T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin. Monogastrics are sensitive to vomitoxin, while poultry and ruminants appear to be less sensitive to some trichothecenes through microbial metabolism of trichothecenes in the gastrointestinal tract. Trichothecene mycotoxins occur worldwide however both total concentrations and the particular mix of toxins present vary with environmental conditions. Proper agricultural practices such as avoiding late harvests, removing overwintered stubble from fields, and avoiding a corn/wheat rotation that favors Fusarium growth in residue can reduce trichothecene contamination of grains. Due to the vague nature of toxic effects attributed to low concentrations of trichothecenes, a solid link between low level exposure and a specific trichothecene is difficult to establish. Multiple factors, such as nutrition, management, and environmental conditions impact animal health and need to be evaluated with the knowledge of the mycotoxin and concentrations known to cause adverse health effects. Future research evaluating the impact of low-level exposure on livestock may clarify the potential impact on immunity. Trichothecenes are rapidly excreted from animals, and residues in edible tissues, milk, or eggs are likely negligible. In chronic exposures to trichothecenes, once the contaminated feed is removed and exposure stopped, animals generally have an excellent prognosis for recovery. This review shows the occurrence of trichothecenes in food and feed in 2011–2020 and their toxic effects and provides a summary of the discussions on the potential public health concerns specifically related to trichothecenes residues in foods associated with the exposure of farm animals to mycotoxin-contaminated feeds and impact to human health. Moreover, the article discusses the methods of their detection.

scholarly journals Mycotoxins: Risks, regulations and European co-operation

2013 ◽  
pp. 7-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Egmond Van
Keyword(s):  
Animal Feed ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Negative Influence ◽  
Adequate Sampling ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
To Come ◽  
Scientific Attention ◽  
The Eu ◽  
Socio Economic Factors

Mycotoxins and mycotoxicises have been problems of the past and the present, but scientific attention for mycotoxins did not start until the early 1960?s. Nowa?days, many mycotoxins are known, and their occurrence in food and animal feed may cause various adverse effects on human and animal health, including carcinogenic, hepatotoxic, immunotoxic, nephrotoxic, neurotoxic, oestrogenic and teratogenic effects. Some important mycotoxins include the aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, the fumonisins and the trichothecenes, and their significance is briefly described. To protect human and animal health, many countries have enacted specific regulations for mycotoxins in food and animal feed. Risk assessment is a major factor for scientific underpinning of regulations, but other factors such as availability of adequate sampling and analysis procedures also play an important a role in the establishment of mycotoxin regulations. In addition, socio-economic factors such as cost-benefit considerations, trade issues and sufficiency of food supply are equally important in the decision-taking process to come to meaningful regulations. Nowadays, more than 100 countries have formal mycotoxin regulations for food and feed. The mycotoxin regulations are the most stringent in the EU, where various organizations and pan-European networks contribute to combat the mycotoxin problem. It is to be expected that mycotoxins will stay with us in the future and climate change might have a negative influence in this respect. Several possibilities exist to mitigate the problems caused by mycotoxins. In particular prevention of mould growth and mycotoxin formation is key to the control of mycotoxins.

scholarly journals Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market Waste: Safety and Nutritional Characterisation for Their Potential Re-Use in Livestock Nutrition

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9478
Author(s):  
Doriana Eurosia Angela Tedesco ◽  
Sveva Scarioni ◽  
Aldo Tava ◽  
Antonio Zuorro ◽  
Sara Panseri
Keyword(s):  
Fruits And Vegetables ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Soluble Sugars ◽  
Vegetable Waste ◽  
Fruit And Vegetable ◽  
Wholesale Market ◽  
Feed Production ◽  
Safety Parameters ◽  
One Year ◽  
The Impact

Compared to other food categories, fruits and vegetables are the most wasted. This leads to the squandering of economic, social, and environmental resources. The reallocation of fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) into animal feed contributes to the sustainability of livestock production, reducing the impact of feed production for land use. In this study, the fruit and vegetable waste from the General Wholesale Market of Milan was considered. FVW samples were collected for one year and were analysed for safety parameters and nutritional, vitamin, and mineral composition. Data showed that dry matter (DM) was on average 10.82 ± 1.21% and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) was on average 22.43 ± 4.52% DM. The presence of soluble sugars (30.51 ± 7.61% DM, on average) was also detected. However, the high moisture content of this waste makes it easily perishable, with detrimental effects on quality, storage, and transportation. A strategy was therefore proposed to reduce the water content of FVW by pressing. Overall, the results highlighted the significant nutritional value of FVW from the wholesale market and the need to develop appropriate technologies to maintain the food chain line safe.

scholarly journals Mycotoxins that affect the North American agri-food sector: state of the art and directions for the future

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.D. Miller ◽  
A.W. Schaafsma ◽  
D. Bhatnagar ◽  
G. Bondy ◽  
I. Carbone ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North American ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Value Chains ◽  
The North ◽  
Food And Feed ◽  
The Impact

This paper summarises workshop discussions at the 5th international MYCORED meeting in Ottawa, Canada (June 2012) with over 200 participants representing academics, government and industry scientists, government officials and farming organisations (present in roughly equal proportions) from 27 countries. Workshops centred on how mycotoxins in food and feed affect value chains and trade in the region covered by the North American Free Trade Agreement. Crops are contaminated by one or more of five important mycotoxins in parts of Canada and the United States every year, and when contaminated food and feed are consumed in amounts above tolerable limits, human and animal health are at risk. Economic loss from such contamination includes reduced crop yield, grain quality, animal productivity and loss of domestic and export markets. A systematic effort by grain producers, primary, transfer, and terminal elevators, millers and food and feed processers is required to manage these contaminants along the value chain. Workshops discussed lessons learned from investments in plant genetics, fungal genomics, toxicology, analytical and sampling science, management strategies along the food and feed value chains and methods to ameliorate the effects of toxins in grain on animal production and on reducing the impact of mycotoxins on population health in developing countries. These discussions were used to develop a set of priorities and recommendations.

scholarly journals Mycotoxins and Mycotoxigenic Fungi in Poultry Feed for Food-Producing Animals

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Vanesa Greco ◽  
María Luisa Franchi ◽  
Silvia Laura Rico Golba ◽  
Alejandro Guillermo Pardo ◽  
Graciela Noemí Pose
Keyword(s):  
Animal Feed ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Poultry Feed ◽  
Continuous Assessment ◽  
Point Prevalence Study ◽  
Feed Production ◽  
Mycotoxigenic Fungi ◽  
T2 Toxin ◽  
Meat And Eggs ◽  
Natural Incidence

Moulds are capable of reducing the nutritional value of feedstuff as well as elaborating several mycotoxins. Mycotoxin-contaminated feed has adverse effects on animal health and productivity. Also, mycotoxins may be carried over into meat and eggs when poultry are fed with contaminated feed. In a point prevalence study feedstuff used for poultry nutrition in Argentina was analyzed for fungal flora, natural incidence of selected mycotoxins, and nutritional quality. Ten mould genera were recovered, six of them known to be mycotoxigenic. More than 28 species were determined. Fumonisins were detected in all the samples (median 1,750 ppb). Forty-four out of 49 samples (90%) were contaminated with DON (median 222 ppb) and OTA (median 5 ppb). Also, 44 out of 49 samples were contaminated with aflatoxins (median 2.685 ppb), 42 samples (86%) with ZEA (median 50 ppb), and 38 samples (78%) with T2-toxin (median 50 ppb). Ninety percent of the samples had at least one type of nutritional deficiency. This study indicates the need for continuous assessment of the mycological status of animal feed production, in order to feed animals for optimal performance ensuring food safety.

Management of mycotoxin contamination in food and feed in China

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.W. Zhang ◽  
Z.M. Ye ◽  
Y. Jin ◽  
S.Y. Wang ◽  
L.S. Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Safety Management ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Animal Health ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Risk Assessments ◽  
Mycotoxin Contamination ◽  
Code Of Practice ◽  
Food And Feed

Mycotoxins have a significant impact on human and animal health as well as economy and international trade. A number of steps have been taken to minimise mycotoxin contamination worldwide. China, one of the largest importers and exporters of food and animal feed, has implemented management strategies to protect consumers from mycotoxins and ensure safe trading of food and feed. The development and status of these management strategies are of interest to many stakeholders, however, no comprehensive review of these strategies has been published to date. The objective of this article is to review these strategies, including associated regulations, risk assessments, contamination monitoring practices, and processes for the supervision and management of associated production, distribution and consumption chains. There are 49 mycotoxin-related regulations in China; these include maximum levels for seven mycotoxins, standard methods for detecting 17 mycotoxins, and a code of practice for the prevention and reduction of mycotoxin contamination in cereals. Twelve mycotoxins found in daily food are covered by the Chinese contamination monitoring network. A new risk assessment organisation is required to systematically implement and manage food safety risk assessments in China. In addition, self-control by companies and daily supervisions and inspections by government departments are quite effective in preventing the consumption of mycotoxin-contaminated food and feed. This article provides information to all those who wish to understand more about the current safety management systems for combating mycotoxin contamination of food and feed in China.

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