Revalorisation of fungi-infested food wastes by Black Soldier Fly larvae (BSFL)
AIM: Provide evidence that BSFL (Hermetia illucens) grow on food wastes spoiled by storage fungi (Aspergillus and Penicillium strains), detoxify the produced mycotoxin and thus can be used as ingredients in agri- and aquafeeds.
BSFL are exposed to a mixture of mouldy fruit/vegetables and whole-meal bread during their adult phase (days 7 to 15 of the life cycle). The fungal composition is established using morphological and/or molecular identification. Larval growth and survival rates in the exposure study are monitored and compared to a control group receiving unspoilt feed. Larvae and frass are sampled at four timepoints. Mycotoxin contents in BSFL, frass and feed are determined using a previously established (s. DetoxBug project) LC-HRMS method. The fate of the specific mycotoxins produced by storage fungi is determined in vivo in the larvae and by in vitro experiments using a larval S9 preparation.
Funding: Norwegian Veterinary Institute
Cooperation with Pronofa ASA
Project period: 2026