Genetic Identification and Traceability of Insect Meals

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Insects that have been approved as suitable for consumption are an emerging feed source for aquaculture. Τo avoid the use of non-approved insects for the production of foods and feeds, analysis of the composition of products containing insects is deemed necessary. In this study, a genetic method of detecting the composition of insect meals was applied. Insect individuals were successfully identified, and the composition of nine insect meals was analyzed. As a result of this process, errors in labeling commercially available larvae were detected. No other insect species or animal species than reported were found in commercially available insect meals, while fungal species were identified in non-processed insect meal. Through this study, the use of DNA has been validated as a tool that increases the safety and quality of insect products. ABSTRACT: Insects have been proposed as a rich alternative source of protein for the partial or total replacement of fishmeal in aquaculture. For maximum safety and effectiveness of insect meals, control of the quality composition of these products is considered mandatory. The aim of this study was the genetic analysis of the composition of commercially available insect meals at the species level. Commercially available Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor and Musca domestica individuals, as well as nine insect meals produced from these species, were analyzed. The genetic identification of insects at the species level was based on a COI fragment, and analysis of the insect meals’ composition was performed with the processes of cloning and colony PCR. Genetic analysis indicated that the commercially available larvae morphologically identified as Musca domestica belonged to the species Muscina stabulans. In the commercially available insect meals, no other animal species was identified beyond the expected one. However, in the insect meal produced for research purposes, fungal growth was detected. The used methodology, herein, allows for the qualitative genetic identification of insect meals and could be included in the methods of traceability of products containing insects and other animal species.