The United Nations thinks it has found the solution to world hunger: Breed bugs for humans to eat.
Insects are ’nutritious, with high protein, fat and mineral contents,” said the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization’s newest study, Agence France-Presse reported. On top of that, they’re easy to find.
“Insects are everywhere and they reproduce quickly, and they have high growth and feed conversion rates and a low environmental footprint,” the study stated, as AFP reported. “One of the many ways to address food and feed insecurity is through insect farming.”
If only humans could get over “the disgust factor,” then bugs could help obliterate world hunger, the U.N. said, calling for more investment in bug farming, AFP said.
Food industry officials could help by “raising the status of insects” and using them in new recipes — and making them part of restaurant offerings.
“The use of insects on a large scale as a feed ingredient is technically feasible, and established companies in various parts of the world are already leading the way,” the U.N. report said, as AFP reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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