Organic Edible Insects-What Would It Take?

Edible insect farming represents a promising sector focused on producing sustainable and nutritional food and feed. Compared to conventionally farmed animals, insects are more sustainable, thanks to lower greenhouse gas emissions, efficient bioconversion, and minimal space requirements. These characteristics make edible insect farming remarkably eco-friendly: this concept aligns with the core principles of the organic supply chain. However, current organic regulations do not yet include insects. This review investigates various aspects of edible insect rearing to better understand how an "organic edible insect farm" could be established. Nine insect species that have been authorized as ingredients for the production of either food or feed were included, such as <i>Hermetia illucens</i>, <i>Musca domestica</i>, <i>Tenebrio molitor</i>, <i>Alphitobius diaperinus</i>, <i>Locusta migratoria</i>, <i>Gryllodes sigillatus</i>, <i>Gryllus assimilis</i>, <i>Acheta domesticus</i>, and <i>Bombyx mori</i>. Among the evaluated features of insect farming, insect welfare and the use of chemical substances (such as veterinary drugs and pesticides) are thoroughly examined in the literature review. These represent the most significant challenges given the scarce knowledge both on the well-being of insects, currently identified as non-sentient beings, and on the degradation and metabolism of drugs or pesticides that could harm the animals but also undermine consumer safety.