Insects to eat or to fear?

Insects to eat or to fear?

Fears, risks and opportunities regarding entomophagy

By: Paolo Zucca, professor of Biochemistry at the University of Cagliari

In the first days of January 2023, the European Commission authorized two new types of insect-based novel foods. The news caused considerable media outcry, arousing various reactions regarding their danger and the risks that their placing on the market would entail for our economy and our traditions. However, these products have already been part of the diet of billions of people for a long time, and numerous companies are investing in this field around the world.
The topic is extremely complex and controversial. What are the reasons for both? In the near future will we really find insect-based products in the supermarket? How to recognize them? What risks and what opportunities would their consumption entail?

During the conference we will try to answer the many questions related to such a thorny topic, understanding the reasons why there is so much talk about insects and nutrition, and what the consequences of their commercialization are for our diet, for our health and for our planet.

Prof. Paolo Zucca

Prof. Paolo Zucca has a degree in Industrial Biotechnology and has been an Associate Professor at the University of Cagliari since 2018. His main field of research concerns the development of enzymatic and biomimetic catalytic systems capable of degrading ligno-cellulosic or otherwise phenolic and non-phenolic aromatic waste material.

University of Cagliari

November 13, 2023

|  5.30pm-6.30pm

Event location:
EXMA Conference room
Via San Lucifero, 71 Cagliari

Access to the Cagliari FestivalScienza activities is free for everyone. Reservations are required only for schools and organized groups.