Uganda launches standard for edible insects industry

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has moved to ensure edible insects consumers are safe when eating the delicacy.

The Edible Insects Standard, US 2146:2020 Edible Insects–Specification is set to see commercialization of the edible insects among them grasshoppers, white ants, termites and crickets.

According to UNBS, the standard which has been develop in collaboration with Makerere University School of Food Technology, Nutrition and Bio-Systems Engineering and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) is aimed at promoting safe consumption of edible insects which are harvested, processed and traded on the Ugandan Market.

“The quality assurance measures involve analysis of unwanted biological and chemical substances which may contaminate the insects during the process of harvesting, processing, packaging or transportation,” said David Livingstone Ebiru, UNBS Executive Director.

Besides ensuring farmers produce quality edible insects fit for human consmption, the new standard is also expected to help Uganda’s edible insect industry grow through commercialization due to their nutritional value and market opportunities both locally and internationally.

Under the new standard, edible insects producers are now required to ensure their products are free from adulterants, extraneous material and objectionable odour, free from infestation and contamination from pests, comply with the maximum pesticide residue and veterinary residues limits established by CODEX, alimentarius commission for similar commodities.

Additionally, the products should not contain heavy metal contaminants in amounts which may represent a hazard to health, be hygienically produced, prepared and handled and be packaged in food grade containers which will safeguard the hygienic, nutritional, and organoleptic qualities of the product.