Knowledge of an insect pest negatively affects sensory perception and emotional response to blueberries

Abstract

Managing insect pests is a major challenge for sustainable food production. Beyond the impacts of insects in reducing food quality and quantity, insects often elicit negative emotions in humans including disgust and fear. Negative emotional responses might lead to impaired enjoyment of food when insects are encountered alongside food. Using a sensory trial, we asked how providing information about an insect pest (Blueberry maggot, Rhagoletis mendax (Diptera: Tephritidae)) affects the sensory perception and emotional response to blueberries (the fruits it infests). Participants in the sensory trial consumed and evaluated an initial sample of blueberries. Participants were then randomly assigned to receive information about the blueberry maggot (Maggot-Informed) or a bumblebee (Bumblebee-Informed) that functioned as a control, before they evaluated a second blueberry sample of identical origin. Maggot-informed participants rated blueberries lower with respect to flavour, texture, and overall liking compared to Bumblebee-Informed participants. Maggot-Informed participants were less likely to describe blueberries as “sweet”, “juicy”, “fruity” and purple compared to initial samples. Maggot-Informed participants reported lower frequencies of “happy”, “joyful”, “pleasant”, and “satisfied” emotions but more frequently reported disgust compared to the initial sample. Bumblebee-Informed participants did not perceive any differences beyond a reduction in the frequency of reporting the emotion “happy” compared to the initial sample. Our results demonstrate that knowledge of an insect pest can negatively impact the sensory evaluation and emotional response to food. This study reaffirms the low tolerance of consumers towards insects in fresh fruit and demonstrates the importance of effective pest control.