Although specialty dishes like locusts and grasshoppers can be delicious, experts warn that these foods may pose significant health risks.
According to Dr. Nguyen Van Dung, Head of the Entomology Department (Institute of Malaria – Parasitology – Entomology Central), not all insects are safe to eat, even if they belong to the same family. Locusts, as a type of insect, can be consumed safely if prepared correctly. However, improper preparation can lead to toxicity for the consumer.
The expert advises people not to consume grasshoppers or locusts to ensure their health. If one really wants to eat them, it is crucial to know how to remove the intestines of grasshoppers and locusts to ensure safety.
Insects with bright colors often contain toxins within their bodies. This is a natural defense mechanism of insects. Therefore, for brightly colored grasshoppers and locusts, one should be cautious as they have a high risk of containing toxins.
Fried Grasshoppers (illustrative image).
“Grasshoppers and locusts found in rice fields typically do not contain toxins. However, the intestines of grasshoppers and locusts can harbor numerous intracellular parasites and fungi. This is why, during the preparation of grasshoppers and locusts, it is common practice to remove their intestines,” Dr. Dung stated.
Eating grasshoppers and locusts without removing the intestines significantly increases the risk of contracting diseases caused by fungi and parasites (internal parasites).
In addition to the risk of fungal and parasitic infections, consuming locusts can lead to anaphylactic shock. Some individuals are highly sensitive to a specific antigen found in locusts, making them vulnerable to severe anaphylaxis even after consuming a small amount.
Anaphylactic shock can also occur if individuals consume dead insects, which may produce toxins, or if the insects are infected with toxic fungi or have ingested plants containing toxic sap. Additionally, insects themselves are made up of many unfamiliar proteins, potentially causing allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Symptoms of Toxicity and Anaphylactic Shock After Eating Insects
Symptoms of insect poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, and tremors in the limbs. In severe cases, symptoms may escalate to excessive vomiting, convulsions, dizziness, jaw stiffness, restlessness, difficulty breathing, confusion, coma, hives, and widespread rashes. Untreated insect poisoning can be fatal.
In August 2023, a case was reported in Nghe An where an individual experienced widespread rashes, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. The patient suffered cardiac arrest for 15 minutes but regained a pulse after emergency treatment. These symptoms appeared just two hours after consuming fried grasshoppers. The patient was suspected to be experiencing anaphylactic shock due to eating grasshoppers. Unfortunately, the patient’s condition was critically severe, leading to their death.
Earlier, in July 2023, a 30-year-old man from Thanh Son District, Phu Tho, developed difficulty breathing, chest tightness, and numerous red allergic rashes all over his body after eating fried grasshoppers. His lips and extremities turned blue, and he felt fatigued with significantly lowered blood pressure. These symptoms presented just 30 minutes after consuming fried grasshoppers. After emergency treatment, the patient became alert, and his pulse and blood pressure stabilized.
