Pesticide residues in edible insects: sources, toxicological effects, analytical techniques and future prospects

Abstract

With growing demand for sustainable protein sources, edible insects have gained attention for their high nutritional value and low environmental impact. However, in rearing systems that use agricultural by-products and organic waste as feed, pesticide residues may enter insects and derived products through the feed chain, posing potential food safety risks. This paper reviews the sources, transfer pathways, and safety concerns of pesticide residues in edible insects, and summarizes recent advances in detection methods. Studies show that residue levels and transformation patterns vary significantly among insect species, while the complex composition of insect samples, especially their lipid and protein contents, complicates analysis. Currently, residue determination mainly relies on improved sample pretreatment combined with laboratory-based analytical techniques, although rapid detection methods also show promise. However, the lack of residue limits specific to edible insects and insufficient toxicological data create substantial uncertainty in risk assessment. Future research should focus on improving analytical methods, studying pesticide metabolites, and establishing a safety evaluation framework to ensure food safety and support sustainable industry development.