Aflatoxin Contamination Detected in Nutrient and Anti-Oxidant Rich Edible Stink Bug Stored in Recycled Grain Containers
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Date
2016
Authors
Musundire, R.
Osuga, Isaac M.
Cheseto, Xavier
Irungu, Janet
Torto, Baldwyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Public Library of Science
Abstract
Recently, there has been multi-agency promotion of entomophagy as an environmentallyfriendly
source of food for the ever increasing human population especially in the developing
countries. However, food quality and safety concerns must first be addressed in this
context. We addressed these concerns in the present study using the edible stink bug
Encosternum delegorguei, which is widely consumed in southern Africa. We analysed for
mycotoxins, and health beneficials including antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty
acids using liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry
(LC-Qtof-MS) and coupled gas chromatography (GC)-MS. We also performed proximate
analysis to determine nutritional components. We identified the human carcinogen mycotoxin
(aflatoxin B1) at low levels in edible stink bugs that were stored in traditonally woven
wooden dung smeared baskets and gunny bags previously used to store cereals. However,
it was absent in insects stored in clean zip lock bags. On the other hand, we identified 10
fatty acids, of which 7 are considered essential fatty acids for human nutrition and health; 4
flavonoids and 12 amino acids of which two are considered the most limiting amino acids in
cereal based diets. The edible stink bug also contained high crude protein and fats but was
a poor source of minerals, except for phosphorus which was found in relatively high levels.
Our results show that the edible stink bug is a nutrient- and antioxidant-rich source of food
and health benefits for human consumption. As such, use of better handling and storage
methods can help eliminate contamination of the edible stink bug with the carcinogen aflatoxin
and ensure its safety as human food.
Description
DOI:10.1371
Keywords
Citation
PLoS ONE 11(1); 2016