Certified reference material for inorganic contaminants in insect protein

Abstract

The growing interest in insect protein as an alternative to conventional protein sources is driven by the need for sustainable options with low environmental impact. While insect-based proteins provide significant nutritional benefits, ensuring their safety requires robust analytical methods and access to reliable matrix-matched certified reference materials. Currently, the availability of such materials for assessing inorganic and organic contaminants in insect proteins is limited. This paper outlines the innovative methodologies used to produce an incurred cricket powder reference material for inorganic contaminants (arsenic, cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, arsenic species) and selenium. It details the careful selection of appropriate contaminant levels introduced through insect feed, feeding regimens, and the production of a certified reference material in compliance with ISO 17034 standard. In the development of the material, a pioneering approach was adopted, integrating tailored feed formulations for insects within controlled farming environments. Through meticulous trials, these techniques achieved satisfactory bioaccumulation of contaminants, enabling the consistent production of high-quality incurred insect protein suitable for use as quality control samples and for method development and validation of methods. The assignment of reference values for these materials was carried out using high-accuracy methods, ensuring metrological traceability with associated measurement uncertainties. The scarcity of insect-based reference materials has posed a challenge to guaranteeing the safety and quality of insect-based proteins. Hence, the development of these reference materials plays a crucial role in instilling confidence among consumers and regulatory bodies in the evolving landscape of the insect protein industry.

Keywords: Certified reference material; Food safety; Inorganic contaminants; Insect protein.