A Glimpse into the Microbiota of Marketed Ready-to-Eat Crickets ().

The present study was aimed to get an insight into the bacterial biota of ready-to-eat small crickets () already marketed in the European Union. 16S rRNA gene of the DNAs extracted from thirty-two samples of ready-to-eat crickets commercialized by 4 European Union producers located in Austria, Belgium, France and the Netherlands (2 batches per producer) was analyzed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). The species belonging to the genera , and were detected in samples from Austria, while those from genera , and were detected in samples from Belgium. Moreover, samples from France were characterized by , , and genera. Finally, the genera , , and were identified in the samples produced in the Netherlands. When insects are intended for commercialization, rearing, processing and handling could affect the presence of the occurring microbial species. Hence, to assure a safe product, the need for a full standardization of production technologies, including feed supply as well as rearing and processing practices, is recommended.