Lillo Vito Pietro
Riassunto in italiano |
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Il presente lavoro ha lo scopo di valutare se gli insetti possono essere considerati un “ nuovo“ alimento, idoneo e accettato dal consumatore finale. Gli insetti sono qui identificati come Novel Food: vengono considerate le norme che all'interno dell'Unione Europea hanno permesso l'introduzione e il consumo di insetti nell'alimentazione umana. |
Abstract in inglese |
This study aims to assess whether insects can be considered a 'new', suitable and accepted (by the final consumer) food. Insects are here identified as Novel Food, considering standards which allow the introduction and consumption as food in the European Union. This work, moreover, analyzes insects anatomical and physiological characteristics, and entomophagy worldwide. Comparison of their farming system is based on economic and environmental criteria. Insects are also analyzed as alternative source of protein in relation with the conventional ones, underlining organoleptic characteristics and potential risks, referring to studies on consumers in Italy and the Netherlands. Analyzing all the factors, we conclude that the widespread use of new food sources, such as edible insects, despite showing excellent quality in terms of nutritional, environmental sustainability and food safety of the human consumer, may still find difficulties of acceptance by the latter. |