Clostridia in Insect Processed Animal Proteins—Is an Epidemiological Problem Possible?

In the last few decades, insect feed has been considered as a potential future resource of sustainable material for animal feeding. Insect feed is recognized as contributing to dietary demands, such as the nutritional composition and valuable amino acids profile, and is rich in micronutrients. The aim of this study was the evaluation of insect processed animal protein (IPAP) contamination by Clostridium spp.—the spore-formers that are the most difficult to eliminate during the thermal processes of feed production. In particular, we screened for the occurrence of pathogenic species of Clostridia. The study was conducted on experimental poultry feeds with insect PAP (IPAP) added. The differences between the Clostridium spp. contamination levels in the control (without the addition of IPAP) and experimental (with the addition of IPAP) groups were monitored. The Clostridium spp. level in feed compounds with the addition of IPAP were found to be significantly higher in comparison to the control groups. Genes determining the botulinum toxin production in one sample of IPAP and the occurrence of phenotypically and genetically similar strains to C. botulinum species were noted. Considering the microbiological safety of IPAP and expanding the possibility of its use in livestock animal feeding, it seems to be reasonable to provide a complex risk assessment on the potential distribution of Clostridia, to assure the safety and sustainable development of the IPAP industry and to answer whether this is an epidemiologically significant problem.