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and consumption of insects in Asia have been reported in China , Japan , Thailand , and Vietnam .
However , there needs to be more reported consumption in Malaysia . In addition , past studies also have found that Asian and Western countries have different levels of acceptance of insects as food . For instance , the population in China was found to have a higher acceptance of insects as food compared to populations in Western countries .
Consumers ’ perceptions of adopting insects as food sources are influenced by factors such as nutritional composition , palatability , affordability , social acceptance , and accessibility . Individuals who have tried locally available locust species tend to exhibit higher levels of consumer acceptance .
However , overall acceptance of locusts as a protein source needs to be higher among consumers , mainly due to limited exposure and cultural aversion to consuming insects ( Ngo and Moritaka , 2021 ). The association of locusts with dirt and decay contributes significantly to this distaste and reluctance to consume them .
Therefore , expanding the acceptance and market for edible locusts would require effective education about their nutritional value and the ecological benefits of entomophagy . This effort could increase acceptance of these halal alternative protein sources and support environmental sustainability .
CONCLUSION
In conclusion , locusts are incredibly versatile insects that can serve as an alternative halal food source . Their high protein , nutritional , and mineral content make them valuable dietary supplements , particularly in regions facing protein deficiency issues .
Moreover , locust farming presents a sustainable alternative with a significantly smaller environmental footprint than traditional cattle farming . However , consumer acceptance is the main challenge in promoting locusts as a food source .
While consuming locusts is conventional in some areas , broadening this acceptance to other regions is crucial to encourage wider adoption . To achieve this , initiatives that focus on raising awareness , utilising effective marketing strategies , providing education , and introducing innovative cooking methods are necessary .
These efforts will help inform the public about the benefits of locusts as a protein source . Addressing consumer concerns about nutrition , the advantages of eating locusts , and the Islamic perspective is essential for building trust and increasing acceptance , particularly among the Muslim community . –
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References
▶ Berita Harian , 2021a . Nak cuba makan belalang goreng berempah ? https :// www . bharian . com . my / berita / wilayah / 2021 / 08 / 855661 / nak-cuba-makan-belalang-goreng-berempah
▶ Berita Harian , 2021b . Belalang goreng kerutuk , kunyit juadah istimewa Aidiladha . https :// www . utusan . com . my / terkini / 2021 / 07 / belalang-goreng-kerutuk-juadah-istimewaaidiladha /
▶ Makkar , H ., Heuze , V . and Tran , G . 2022 .
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Locusts and grasshoppers : nutritional value , harvesting and rearing for animal feed , and other applications . CABI Reviews , 17 , No . 038 .
▶ Mufti of Federal Territory ’ s Office , 2018 . https :// muftiwp . gov . my / en / artikel / al-kafi-li-al-fatawi / 2884-al-kafi-963-theruling-of-eating-locust
▶ Ngo , H . M . and Moritaka , M ., 2021 . Consumer attitudes and acceptance of insects as food and feed : a review . Journal Faculty of Agric Kyushu University 66 ( 2 ): 259-266 .
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“ Consumers ’ perceptions of adopting insects as food sources are influenced by factors such as nutritional composition , palatability , affordability , social acceptance , and accessibility . Individuals who have tried locally available locust species tend to exhibit higher levels of consumer acceptance . ” |
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RM 132 |
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RM 162 |