Tropics Day at Bonn university Edible Insects: A trending solution
Bonn · Edible insects are an alternative protein source for human food and animal feed - yet, would you eat them? This workshop as part of the Tropics Day at Bonn university has all the information on the topic. Also, the award winning film, The Gateway Bug, will be shown.
The workshop on “Edible Insects: A trending solution to food security in the tropics” is taking place on Wednesday September 20th, from 9am until 12.30pm, under the umbrella of Tropentag at Bonn University. Organized by Marwa Abdel Hamid Shumo, of the Center for Development Research (ZEF), the workshop will explain why edible insects are an alternative protein source for human food and animal feed, and why they are interesting in terms of low greenhouse gas emissions, high feed conversion efficiency, low land use, and their ability to transform low value organic side streams into high value protein products.
More than 2000 insect species are eaten mainly in tropical regions. The role of edible insects in the livelihoods and nutrition of people in tropical countries will be discussed, but this food source is threatened. Edible insects have about the same protein content as conventional meat and more PUFA. They may also have some beneficial health effects. Edible insects need to be processed and turned into palatable dishes. Food safety may be affected by toxicity of insects, contamination with pathogens, spoilage during conservation and allergies.
The Workshop will cover the topics of health, nutritional value and sustainability of edible insects. The situation in regard to commercial innovation and marketing of edible insects will be discussed as well as the social and cultural factors affecting the acceptance of edible insects in Europe. Also on the list of subjects: the policies, legislations, ethics and welfare of edible insects.
Heinrich Katz, the founder and owner of Hermetia Baruth GmbH, a pioneer in the commercial production of insects for feed in Germany will attend as special guest and speaker: „Insects are the future trend food.“ For the first time in Germany, the award winning 2017 film documentary „The Gateway Bug“ by Johanna B. Kelly and Cameron Marshad will be screened.
„The Gateway Bug“ explores how changing daily eating habits can feed humanity in an uncertain age, one meal at a time.And - returning to our initial question: Would you eat insects? - there will be insects tasting and mini-insects for feed exhibition. Participants are invited to try several species and to take a look at feed-stock and by-products. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Marwa Shumo at mshummo@hotmail.com.
