EVALUATION OF INSECT-BASED FOOD ACCEPTANCE BY REPRESENTATIVES OF POLISH CONSUMERS IN THE CONTEXT OF NATURAL RESOURCES PROCESSING RETARDATION

Food production, based on intensive farming, contributes to high and constantly increasing pollution of soils and other environmental resources. Given this, search for non-conventional sources of animal protein seems justified. The present study was designed to examine opinions of selected Polish consumers related to their acceptance of insect-based food as an alternative source of nutrients. The assessment of attitudes towards alternative sources of nutrients was based on the survey developed at the Faculty of Science, University of Porto in Portugal. Representatives of Polish consumers in the region of Podkarpackie generally did not show open-mindedness towards incorporating insect-based food into their diet. Majority of the respondents, however, recognized the importance of food sector operation based on respect for natural resources. Therefore, it seems important that consumers be informed about the advantages of production or use of insect biomass originating from natural ecosystems. This may contribute to increased acceptance for alternative sources of protein, which consequently may lead to reduced environmental pressure of traditional livestock farming and to retardation of ecosystems transformation and loss of biological diversity