Detailing his experience at The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, Rebel News founder Ezra Levant showed audiences an energy bar, explaining:
“The word ‘insect’ or ‘bugs’ is nowhere on this. But these are insect protein energy bars, and there was a man giving these out by the hundreds today. They really want you to eat the bugs. This is not a conspiracy theory.”
Instead, the packaging uses the term “Alphitobius diaperinus” —the scientific name for a type of mealworm larvae.
However, Pumba Foods’ website (named after the bug-loving warthog from The Lion King) uses the term ‘Insect protein’ and lists the ingredients of its Energy 207 product as Alphatobious ‘larvae.’
Pumba Foods promotes “upcycled” food. This is a process whereby mealworms are fed with by-products from milling flour —leftover grains and husks that would otherwise be wasted or burned for biogas production.
Levant criticised what he sees as a deceptive campaign to hide insect ingredients from consumers. “I don’t think there’s sufficient disclosure to let people know what they’re eating. I don’t think one in a thousand people knows what ‘Alphatobious diaperinus’ means” he said.
Proponents of insect protein argue it’s a sustainable alternative to livestock, requiring fewer resources to produce.
Centrist.co.nz