[Safety assessment of novel food raw materials derived from insects : results of complex biomedical research].

The trend towards the use of non-traditional sources of food raw materials, in particular edible insects, which has been gaining momentum in recent years, predetermines the need to develop a methodology for research on such products. Analysis of publications devoted to the problem of insect research reflects the accumulation of a very significant evidence base for their safety. Currently, 7 types of insect-derived products have been approved for food use in the European Union, and the results summarized in the materials of the European Food Safety Authority for each of them also indicate the safety of such products. Based on the considerable experience of the Russian Federation in the field of safety assessment of novel food, the design of complex toxicological studies was developed, including the study of reproductive function, pre- and postnatal development of offspring, to assess the safety of larvae of the Black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens), included in the list of agricultural products by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 10.10.2023 No. 2761-r. of the research was to assess the safety of Black soldier fly (Hermetia Illucens) larvae dry biomass in toxicological and reprotoxicological studies on 4 generations of rats. . Comprehensive studies of Black soldier fly larvae dry biomass were conducted on 4 generations of Wistar rats (generations F0, F1, F2, F3). A total of 650 adult animals, 1975 pups and 1146 fetuses were used, the experiment duration was 485 days. Throughout the experiment animals of the control group F0-F3 received semi-synthetic casein diet (SCD), rats of the test group received SCD with dry biomass of Black soldier fly larvae. The biomass dose was 11 000-40 000 mg/kg body weight per day depending on age and sex. Ingredients of the diet of the test group were replaced taking into consideration the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the administered product while observing the principle of isocalorie content. Reproductive function was evaluated by fertility of males and females F0, F1, F2, and by prenatal and postnatal development of offspring F1, F2, F3. Material for toxicological studies was taken on the 225th, 347th and 485th days of the experiment from males of F1, F2, F3 generations (age 143, 135 and 130 days, respectively), which received the investigated product throughout the whole period of ontogenetic development. Hematological, biochemical, morphological studies were carried out, indicators characterizing antioxidant status and apoptosis activity were studied. . The general condition of F0-F3 rats was satisfactory, the animals of the test group did not differ from the control in appearance, quality of hair coat and behavior. The efficiency of mating, physiological course of pregnancy, blood level of sex hormones in the pregnant females F0-F2 of both groups were within normal limits, indicating normal generative and endocrine function of reproductive glands of experimental animals fed with dry biomass of Hermetia illucens larvae. The study results of pre- and postnatal development of F1-F3 offspring indicate that there were no significant differences between animals fed dry biomass of Hermetia illucens larvae and standard diet. Physical development was within the normal range, survival rate of offspring in both groups corresponded to the optimal level for rats of this line, anomalies of formation of the main anatomical systems were not revealed. Toxicological studies on males of F1-F3 generations, during which gravimetric, hematological, biochemical, morphological parameters, antioxidant status and apoptosis activity were studied, did not reveal any negative effect of Hermetia illucens. . The complex analysis of data obtained in toxicological and reprotoxicological studies of Hermetia illucens larvae dry biomass in the experiment on 4 generations of rats did not reveal any toxic effect of Black soldier fly. All parameters were within the physiological norms typical for Wistar rats. Daily consumption of agravated amounts of Hermetia illucens biomass by several generations of rats had no effect on their physiological and biochemical status and on the offspring's development.