Monthly Archives: July 2017

Insects As Feed In the EU

Posted on July 27, 2017 by jjneal

The European Union revised its regulations to allow insects as feed for aquaculture.  Insect protein producers are celebrating the new market but continue to push for further acceptance.  The next target is regulations on feed for poultry and pigs.  Wild … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Food, Policy | 2 Comments

Regulating Insect Contamination III

Posted on July 26, 2017 by jjneal

The FDA sets limits on acceptable insect damage in raw foods. Insect feeding damage on filbert nuts (aka hazelnuts) in the field can lead to discoloration and rancidity. Customers would not wish to purchase the nuts, but the damage can … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Regulating Insect Contamination II

Posted on July 25, 2017 by jjneal

Not all insect contamination of food is the same. Although most insects are not harmful, some can cause illness or medical harm. For example, some dermestid beetle larvae have barbed hairs that serve as protection against predation. The hairs can … Continue reading →

Posted in Biomaterials, by jjneal, Food, Health | 2 Comments

Regulating Insect Contamination

Posted on July 24, 2017 by jjneal

The US Food and Drug Administration regulates contaminants in food including insects and insect parts. As discussed in a previous post some contamination of our food by insects is unavoidable. However, the amount of contamination can be limited by good … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Food, Policy | 2 Comments

Attack of the Katydids

Posted on July 23, 2017 by jjneal

In the 1850s, Mormon settlers new to Utah described a plague of insects that were destroying their crops. The insects were given the name, “Mormon Crickets” and it has stuck for over a century even though the insects are not … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, News, Pest Management | 3 Comments

Enhancing Pollinators With Landscape Management

Posted on July 22, 2017 by jjneal

Bees collect pollen to feed to their brood. Without pollen, the brood starves and the bees are eliminated. In their native habitats, bees encounter a variety of plants with differing phenologies. Some flower early, some midseason and some flower late. … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Environment | 1 Comment

Unintentional Insect Consumption

Posted on July 21, 2017 by jjneal

80% of the world population eats  insects intentionally; 100% eat insects unintentionally. Consuming insects is unavoidable because insects contaminate many food items.   Even under the careful eye of the home gardener, Drosophila flies will lay eggs on ripening tomatoes.  … Continue reading →

Posted in by jjneal, Food, Policy | 4 Comments