Tags: Insects as food, Traditional foods, Entomophagy, Natural resources, Environmental opportunities, Nutritional values, Farming systems, Animal feed, Food safety and preservation, Livelihood improvement, Economic development, Legislation

This book assesses the potential of insects as food and feed and gathers existing information and research on edible insects. The assessment is based on the most recent and complete data available from various sources and experts around the world. Insects as food and feed emerge as an especially relevant issue in the twenty-first century due to the rising cost of animal protein, food and feed insecurity, environmental pressures, population growth and increasing demand for protein among the middle classes. Thus, alternative solutions to conventional livestock and feed sources urgently need to be found. The consumption of insects, or entomophagy, therefore contributes positively to the environment and to health and livelihoods.

Edible insects_FAO.pdf