Entomophagy; Should we ignore this valuable food source?

Insects are a viable food source, however not all culture groups have the same opinion of what should or should not be consumed as food. In Japan, a consumer can easily purchase a can of baby bees (Menzel 1984), whereas in the US, the same consumer would be hard pressed to find them in the local Safeway ® or Trader Joe’s ®. The human consumption of insects, or entomophagy, is considered a normal practice in many parts of the world (Taylor 1975). In most of Western culture insect eating is considered a taboo, something that would make most people cringe. Let’s explore this alternative food source by answering these questions. How does culture affect a society’s view of entomophagy? How do the views of the Western World differ from other culture groups around the world? What are the benefits and negative aspects of entomophagy?

Culture has a very powerful influence on an individual’s food preferences. Illgner (2000:338) has suggested that it is culture, rather than economics or environment, that determines what people eat. For example, a young child in Europe would not traditionally be served a meal that contained

In the past, insect consumption has played a role in most societies worldwide. In North America the Indians living in the western part of the continent consumed insects on a daily basis. As time elapsed views have changed (Taylor 1975). The Europeans that eventually came to inhabit North America brought their beliefs and traditions with them. North America along with the rest of the Western World view insects as a completely inedible side dish. On the other hand if a traveler today was to venture to New Guinea they would find that insect protein constitutes for over 50% of animal protein intake (Illgner 2000). Quite different from what can be found in Canada or Europe, where the main source of animal protein comes from traditional sources. Insects are not only used as a food source in other parts of the world but also as an export to help supply communities with needed funds. South Africa not only uses the Mopane caterpillars as food but also as a trade commodity. In 1982 alone, South Africa traded 16,000 tonnes (Illgner 2000). Many societies have developed ways to use the insects for food but also as a way to economically strengthen the community in which they live.

As the population of the world grows and resources start to become scarce isn’t it nice to know there is an alternative food source to fall back on. The general population of the U.S. unknowingly eats insects on a daily basis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has established standards on the allowable amount of insects that can be in foods sold to the public. It is acceptable for there to be up to 60 aphids in 3 ½ ounces of frozen broccoli and 3 fly maggots in 200 grams of tomato juice (Gordon 1998). This may make the averag

Some topics in this essay:
Western World, Africa Mopane, Fear Factor, Drug Administration, Trader Joe’s, South Africa, Taylor Beaumont, Canada Europe, America Indians, North America, food source, taylor 1975, illgner 2000, gordon 1998, eating insects, north america, western world, insects daily basis, insects food, fly maggots, food preferences, viable food source, alternative food source,