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What's eating North America's edible insect industry? An examination of psychological, cultural and regulatory barriers

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 August 2021

Christl Li ,
Sean B. Cash ,
Julie Lesnik ,
Timothy S. Griffin ,
Joel Mason  and
Nicole Tichenor Blackstone Open the ORCID record for Nicole Tichenor Blackstone [Opens in a new window]
Christl Li
Affiliation:
Division of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA02111, USA
Sean B. Cash
Affiliation:
Division of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA02111, USA
Julie Lesnik
Affiliation:
Department of Anthropology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI48202, USA
Timothy S. Griffin
Affiliation:
Division of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA02111, USA
Joel Mason
Affiliation:
Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA02111, USA USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston, MA02111,USA
Nicole Tichenor Blackstone*
Affiliation:
Division of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA02111, USA
*
Author for correspondence: Nicole Tichenor Blackstone, E-mail: nicole.blackstone@tufts.edu
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Abstract

Although research has demonstrated the positive nutritional value and environmental benefits associated with edible insect consumption, several factors challenge the growth and development of the edible insect industry for human consumption in the US and Canada. Cultural and psychological factors account for much of the aversion US and Canadian consumers display. The absence of specific regulation also constitutes a structural barrier to more widespread production and sale of edible insects. Compared to the US, the European Union has a more developed edible insect industry and has enacted legislation that removes some of the barriers. As consumer awareness of the putative health benefits of edible insects increases, more comprehensive regulations may emerge to keep pace with the growth of this industry. Overall, a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses both benefits and barriers to consumption is needed to facilitate a robust market for edible insects in the US and Canada.

Keywords

Alternative proteinschallengesconsumer acceptanceentomophagyfood regulation
Type
Commentary
Information
Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems , Volume 37 , Issue 1 , February 2022 , pp. 1 - 4
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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