Overview
This PRISMA-ScR scoping review mapped 25 original studies on cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and acrylamide in edible insects. The authors conclude that metal levels were generally low but varied by species and origin, and that the EU has no harmonized maximum levels for insects. All concentrations are quoted from other papers.
Key numbers
- 1689 records identified, 23 full texts assessed, 25 studies included after manual searching (Abstract).
- No new measurements; per-study values are in the summary table and Sections 3.1.1 to 3.1.4.
Methods (brief)
Systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and gray literature to April 2025, screening in Rayyan, original research only.
Evidence Fitness
Context only (tier C). Useful as a map of primary studies for the edible-insects page; the primary papers should be ingested for any numbers.