Multiplex real-time PCR for the detection of insect DNA and determination of contents of Tenebrio molitor, Locusta migratoria and Achaeta domestica in food

Abstract

In Europe, edible insects are not a part of a common diet. But according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the united nations (FAO), animal protein from insects could be an ecological, economic and healthy addition to human diets. In the EU there are currently no regulations on insects as food for human consumption. The production and sales of products containing insects are not prohibited. Several companies are producing and marketing food products containing insects already. In Switzerland, the recently revised food law allows and regulates insect production and products for human consumption. Like other ingredients, such food additives, insects have to be labeled correctly. To enforce such labeling, food control laboratories need analytical tools to detect insect ingredients and determine their species and quantity. We, therefore, developed a multiplex real-time PCR method detecting insect DNA generally and the three approved species specifically. The performance of this multiplex real-time PCR method was assessed during validation including data from other laboratories. These results indicate that the method is fit for purpose.