Inorganic pollutants in edible grasshoppers (Ruspolia nitidula) of Uganda and their major public health implications

Kasozi, Keneth Iceland; Namazi, Catherine; Basemera, Elizabeth; Atuheire, Collins; Odwee, Ambrose; Majalija, Samuel; Kateregga, John

doi:10.4314/ahs.v19i3.44

Cited by 12 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…However, the THQ values were less than 1, implying that consumption of wild vegetables does not pose a long-term deleterious effect in children and adults. The high concentration of Pb in the edible wild plants could be due to soil contaminations from the metal residues resulting from the on-going irrational use of pesticides [ 65 ] or the use of heavy weapons during the 25 years of insurgency in the study area. Plant species in areas affected by military activities are known to accumulate heavy metals [ 66 , 67 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inorganic nutrients and heavy metals in some wild edible plants consumed by rural communities in Northern Uganda: Implications for human health

Nyero,

Achaye,

Upoki Anywar

et al. 2023

Heliyon

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Inorganic nutrients and heavy metals in some wild edible plants consumed by rural communities in Northern Uganda: Implications for human health

Nyero,

Achaye,

Upoki Anywar

et al. 2023

Heliyon

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“…However, through these, grasshoppers have become exposed to pesticide residues and other contaminants. In a study by Kasozi et al (2019) atomic absorbance spectrometric (AAS) method revealed high exposure of wild harvested grasshoppers to heavy metals particularly lead, beyond acceptable safe limits. The heads of R. differens samples from Central Uganda had heavier concentration, believed to be from vegetation exposed to pesticides.…”

Section: Hazards Associated With R Differensmentioning

confidence: 99%

The potential contribution and challenges of edible grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) to food and nutrition security in Uganda- a literature review

Nabikolo,

Lucy Njue,

George Ooko Abong

et al. 2023

EAJSTI

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Insects are being considered a sustainable protein food source for the future to forestall the impending world protein shortage, exacerbated by population growth and climate change. The edible grasshopper Ruspolia differens, a high protein insect traditionally consumed in East Africa- particularly in Central Uganda presents an opportunity for local solutions to food and nutritional security. This literature review consolidates research information, mainly derived from peer reviewed articles on online databases, on potential distribution, demand, importance, food safety hazards and, handling and research efforts that support safety of consumption. Key documented findings are that Ruspolia differens is highly nutritious and a source of livelihood. Their geographical distribution is expected to widen, increasing availability and access. Food safety hazards from their handling include high counts of bacterial species, yeasts and molds, heavy metals, and a potential for inherent allergens yet the demand and supply chains are expanding. Consequently, a strategy involving all stakeholders is required to support food safety along the value chain. Understanding the contribution of Ruspolia differens and minimising obstacles to its exploitation should be a research priority in order to promote the adoption, value addition, and development of insect-derived products aimed at nontraditional insect-eating communities and those who are severely food insecure.

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“…Pesticide residues and toxic metals in reared insects can be associated with particular insect species, their source before being reared, the source and type of substrates used and contamination of the rearing unit [2,39]. For instance, the bioaccumulation of cadmium has been reported in crickets and the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), as has arsenic in yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and lead in R. differens [39,41,42]. Prior to consumption, edible insects should not exceed certain maximum permissible levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury) and trace metals (iron, manganese, copper and magnesium) [2].…”

Section: Pesticide Residues and Toxic Trace Metalsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Safety, regulatory and environmental issues related to breeding and international trade of edible insects in Africa

NIASSY¹,

OMUSE²,

ROOS³

et al. 2022

Rev. Sci. Tech. OIE

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Insect breeding or farming for food and feed is an emerging enterprise that can address the ever-growing demand for protein and curb high unemployment rates in Africa and beyond. However, for the sector to prosper, its value chain needs to be regulated to ensure sustainability and safety for consumers and the environment. Although a few African countries, such as Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, have promulgated standards on the use of insects as food and feed, greater efforts are needed in other countries, and relevant policies governing the sector need to be formulated.All over the globe, attention to the regulation of the edible insect sector is increasing, and more investment in the industry is foreseen. Safety issues such as identifying which species should be reared, substrate quality and traceability imposed by importing countries will be critical for expansion of the sector. This paper analyses safety, regulatory and environmental issues related to breeding and international trade of edible insects in Africa and provides case studies and recommendations for sustainable use of insects for food and feed.

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Inorganic pollutants in edible grasshoppers (Ruspolia nitidula) of Uganda and their major public health implications

Cited by 12 publications

References 27 publications

Inorganic nutrients and heavy metals in some wild edible plants consumed by rural communities in Northern Uganda: Implications for human health

Inorganic nutrients and heavy metals in some wild edible plants consumed by rural communities in Northern Uganda: Implications for human health

The potential contribution and challenges of edible grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) to food and nutrition security in Uganda- a literature review

Safety, regulatory and environmental issues related to breeding and international trade of edible insects in Africa

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