Exploring the effect of feeding and production batches on the microbiological safety of Tenebrio molitor larvae

Introduction: Nutrition is essential for human survival, but unsustainable food production methods and eating habits can have a negative effect on the environment. Edible insects, particularly the larvae of Tenebrio molitor, are gaining popularity in Western countries as an alternative to animal proteins, leading to increased research into their food safety. Objective: This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of fresh T. molitor larvae subjected to different feeding regimes (water, potato, carrot, vegetable mix) from three separate production batches. Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest that some microbiological parameters vary between batches; Seasonal variations potentially influence the microbiological characteristics of mealworm larvae, prompting future research in this subject.