Estudio sobre el consumo de insectos en Argentina

Abstract

According to the UN, the world population will reach 9.7 billion people by 2050. This will increase demand of food and lead to overexploitation of soil and water. To mitigate the environmental impact, eradicate poverty and malnutrition, the FAO stated that the consumption of insects by humans (entomophagy) can contribute to food security and to environmental protection.The replacement of animal proteins is the key to ensure nutritional food and, in this sense, insects offer a valid source of protein comparable to con ventional sources.Despite the fact that currently more than 2000 species of insects are consumed, in Argentina is not a common nor a regulated practice. In INTI the potential of this resource is investigated. Information from virtual surveys was collected on its acceptance and if the consumption of processed insects could be used as a strategy to combat entomophobia. Of a total of 1143 respondents, the majority university women between 30 and 50 years of the me tropolitan area, 20% are willing to consume whole insects, 42% reject consumption and 38% said they were doubtful. However, when it was asked if they would consume whole or processed insects (protein bar, snack, bread or pasta), 60% opted for the latter option, 3% whole and 37% maintained their negative position.It is concluded that the addition of insect powder as an ingredient represents a possible way for a paradigm shift in the consumption of proteins of high nutritional quality.