Scientist: Humans will eat maggots, locusts for protein

As other food options grow scarce, humans will turn to maggots, locusts and even kangaroo meat for food, according to an Australian university scientist.

>> Read more trending news

Livestock industries will eventually not be able to meet the worldwide demand for meat, so finding an alternative source of protein is inevitable, said Dr. Louwrens Hoffman, of the University of Queensland, according to an article on the university's website. He added that people must "open their minds (and stomachs) to a much broader notion of food."

“Would you eat a commercial sausage made from maggots? What about other insect larvae and even whole insects like locusts? The biggest potential for sustainable protein production lies with insects and new plant sources," Hoffman said.

If humans are going to eat the insects, however, Hoffman said they need to be processed or disguised.

“One of my students created a very tasty insect ice cream, for example,” he said.

Another possible source of protein is kangaroo meat, Hoffman said, since kangaroos are able to survive in areas unsuitable for grazing.

Hoffman has researched using maggots as a protein source for chickens being raised for meat.

Overall, Hoffman said, "there needs to be a better understanding of the difference between animal feed and human food, and a global reappraisal of what can constitute healthy, nutritional and safe food for all."

Cox Media Group