Genetic Identification and Traceability of Insect Meals

Abstract

Insects have been proposed as a rich alternative source of protein for the partial or total replacement of fishmeal in aquaculture. For maximum safety and effectiveness of insect meals, control of the quality composition of these products is considered mandatory. The aim of this study was the genetic analysis of the composition of commercially available insect meals at the species level. Commercially available Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio molitor and Musca domestica individuals, as well as nine insect meals produced from these species, were analyzed. The genetic identification of insects at the species level was based on a COI fragment, and analysis of the insect meals’ composition was performed with the processes of cloning and colony PCR. Genetic analysis indicated that the commercially available larvae morphologically identified as Musca domestica belonged to the species Muscina stabulans. In the commercially available insect meals, no other animal species was identified beyond the expected one. However, in the insect meal produced for research purposes, fungal growth was detected. The used methodology, herein, allows for the qualitative genetic identification of insect meals and could be included in the methods of traceability of products containing insects and other animal species.