Entomophagy and chemical element residues: Noncarcinogenic risk assessment for human consumption

TL;DR

This study assesses the safety of eating palm weevil larvae and termite insects in Nigeria by analyzing their chemical element content and potential health risks.

Contribution

The study provides a noncarcinogenic risk assessment of edible insects in Nigeria, showing negligible public health risks.

Findings

Zinc had the highest concentration in palm weevils, while manganese was highest in termites.

Arsenic levels were the lowest in both insects, indicating low metalloid contamination.

Noncarcinogenic risk assessment showed no significant health risks to consumers.

Abstract

Entomophagy has received considerable attention due to its vulnerability to toxic chemical elements, thus requiring safety assessment. In this study, edible insects Rhyncophorus phoenics larvae (palm weevil) and Macrotermes bellicosus (termite) commonly found and sold in Anambra State, Nigeria, were collected from market vendors and identified. The concentration of chemical elements was determined by Varian AA240 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, and levels were compared with recommended standards. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment via oral exposure was evaluated following the procedure of the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). In palm weevils, zinc (Zn) had the highest concentration, whereas manganese (Mn) concentration was highest in termites. Both insects had arsenic (As) as the lowest chemical element measured, indicating low metalloid contamination. There was no difference (P > 0.05) compared with standard permissible daily intakes. Noncarcinogenic risk assessment showed no potential risk to consumers, demonstrating that, under the conditions of the current study, public health risk appears negligible.

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