UNBS launches standard to facilitate commercialisation of edible insects

KAMPALA -Ugandans who enjoy eating edible insects like grasshoppers (Nsenene) now stand a better chance of enjoying better quality as a standard of safe production, handling and consumption has been released by standards promoters.

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) in collaboration with Makerere University School of Food Technology, Nutrition, Bio-Systems Engineering  and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) have launched a ‘Uganda Standard US 2146: 2020-Edible Insects –Specification’, which is aimed at promoting safe consumption when harvested, processed and traded on the Ugandan market.

Scientists say there are over 470 species of edible insects in Africa, but the most common and popular in Uganda include grasshoppers (Nsenene), white ants, termites, crickets, among others.

According to the Executive Director of UNBS, David Livingstone Ebiru, research has shown that edible insects such as grasshoppers and crickets contain the highest proteins and other nutrients compared to animal and plant foods.

Ebiru urged those involved in trading the edible insects to get them certified by the Bureau in order to ensure their safety for consumption. 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.

He asked the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) to consider promoting farming of these insects in order to diversify the earning opportunities of farmers. He also confirmed that prior to the development of the Standards for Edible Insects, UNBS had also developed Uganda Standard US 1712:2017 – Dried Insect Products for Compounding Animal Feeds –Specification  which has guided Farmers involved in Poultry and fish farming to use insects as alternative feed.

The Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Prof. Barnabas Nawange lauded UNBS for the partnership with the University to promote research in innovative products such as edible insects which require relevant standards to be in place in order to commercialize them.

He urged entrepreneurs to commercialize these insects given their nutritional value and the opportunities it presents both for the local and international markets.

https://thecooperator.news/unbs-develops-110-new-standards-for-food-and-agricultural-sector/

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