Introducing the special issue: ‘Advancement of insects as food and feed in a circular economy’

Abstract

In 2017, a book was published entitled 'Insects as food and feed: from production to consumption' (Van Huis and Tomberlin, 2017). However, the sector of insects as food and feed is developing so quickly that an update seems appropriate. There has been an exponential increase in publications dealing with the topic. For example, using the words 'edible insect' as key words in 'Web of Science' scored 421 hits during the last two years (2019 & 2020), an amount which equals the number recorded for the previous 20 years (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018). We did consider publishing a new edition of the book, but concluded that the disadvantages outweighed the short-term results. We identified the following limitations: (1) it must be bought which limits its distribution; (2) the review process is less transparent and rigorous; and (3) the turnaround time for a book is much longer than for research articles. Thus, we felt that given the rate at which the industry is growing and diversifying, a second edition would possibly not be as up to date. In addition to the benefit of publishing up-to-date information quickly, we also concluded that the peer-review system would enhance its quality. Furthermore, publishing open access provides immediate engagement by parties globally in learning more about the industry or by enhancing their current facility. Fortunately, the authors and sponsors of such work were able to cover the open access costs.