Further specimens of stored products insects found in ancient Egyptian tombs

Abstract

Seven samples of Ancient Egyptian bread of dates ranging between 1400 and 1300 B.C., were examined for evidence of insect infestation. Three samples contained no insect remains while three others contained fragments of Stegobium paniceum. The most recent sample contained 3 examples of a parasite of moth larvae and the most ancient contained some remnants of a moth cocoon. Two of the best preserved samples gave a blue color reaction with iodine, while the other gave a red-brown color; the breads contained 18-27 mg protein/g, compared with 90 mg/g for modern brown bread. -- AATA