Conversion of Organic Matter by Black Soldier Fly- Why Not Industrialize Such a System?

As you noted, there is a question in my title- I wanted to draw your attention to the regulations currently implemented in the European Union (EU) on the use of BSF as a feed (I'm savvy like that).

Today, I am presenting a paper by my colleagues and friends in the Netherlands. The aim of the paper was to evaluate literature published up to 2017 on the use of BSF to convert materials to protein. They also present current legal status of insect-feeding options in the EU. So, if you are interested in mass production of BSF and selling your product in the EU- this article is a definitely a great resource.

The basic conclusion from this article is the use of BSF to recycle wastes can be beneficial to the environment. The recycling of waste materials reduces potential pollutants; however, this benefit was dependent on what was being fed to the BSF larvae. 

The authors present a number of valuable tables outlining the studies reviewed. These tables include, but are not limited to, dry matter reduction based on resource, nitrogen reduction based on resource, environmental impact as related to global warming potential (GWP), energy use to produce, and a comparison with traditional feeds, such as soybean meal and fishmeal.

Bosch, G., H. H. E. van Zanten, A. Zamprogna, M. Veenenbos, N. P. Meijer, H. J. van der Fels-Klerx, and J. J. A. van Loon. 2019. Conversion of organic resources by black soldier fly larvae: Legislation, efficiency and environmental impact. Journal of Cleaner Production 222: 355-363.

​Insects as Food and Feed in the News!!  I thought I would try this small addition to the blog a few more weeks. If well received, I will continue doing so. 

Edible insects' boost food sustainability, but will consumers eat BBQ-flavored bugs? Nice article out of UK, I believe, discussing the benefits of insects as food. Pay attention- at the bottom of the article is a link to a more in-depth discussion of the topic.

Insects: The Other (other) White Meat?  I enjoyed this article a lot. First, it made a reference to the Philip K. Dick classic book adapted to film, Bladerunner (although they referenced the sequel... but I understand why). And second, the author presents a case that insects as food is not as crazy as it sounds when you consider what other interesting items people consume fairly regularly... well.. some of them anyway (font in maroon for the one I suspect is the lead item consumed):

• Sauerkraut: shredded cabbage (itself pretty rank in my book) fermented with bacteria
• Haggis: sheep heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with meat, oatmeal, and seasoning and packaged in sheep stomach — ‘nuff said, sorry Scots!
• Foie Gras: fattened duck/goose livers
• Durian: a fruit with a smell described as a mix between a loaded diaper and wet socks
• Castoreum: Beaver anal secretions, subs for vanilla and raspberry flavors
• Blue Cheese: Deliberately moldy (Penicillium fungus) cheese
• Alcohol: Glorified yeast urine (the truth hurts)

Business Article on AgriProtein out of South Africa. A nice article highlighting the successes of AgriProtein- worth the read... images are pretty cool!

Global Economy, an Example: Jiminy & Ento Work Together to Produce Crickets as Food. A nice read about two companies worlds apart working together. This article has some nice photos as well. 

Author

Jeffery K. Tomberlin, PhD, Sci-Fi enthusiast (you should definitely read Philip K. Dick)
CEO, EVO Conversion Systems, LLC
Twitter: @FliesFacility