Sujaya Rao: Bringing entomophagy to the forefront at the International Congress of Entomology in Japan

LI YAN TAN, STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION, BA '25

Sujaya Rao, PhD, professor in the entomology department at CFANS, is a passionate advocate for entomophagy, the practice of eating insects as food by humans. In August 2024, she attended the XXVII International Congress of Entomology in Japan, where her poster on entomophagy was selected as one of only seven, and the sole entry from the United States, for a special session for the Imperial family of Japan.

During the congress, Rao had the honor of presenting her research on changing social perceptions about entomophagy to Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Crown Princess Akishino and their son. “Meeting them was an incredible and unforgettable experience,” she shared. The Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince expressed familiarity with the landmark FAO article Rao shared that is promoting entomophagy in western societies due to high protein and environment benefits. The Crown Princess was curious about the taste of cricket powder while their son showed a keen curiosity about the lollipops containing edible insects that were handed to him by Rao. The engaging conversation with the Imperial family underscored the importance of shifting perceptions about insects as food.

Rao’s selection for the special poster session with the Imperial family at the congress highlights the growing global interest in entomophagy. Despite the practice being widely accepted in many countries, including Japan, Western cultures like the U.S. and Europe are hesitant to adopt it. Rao noted that, during the congress, insect foods were sold in the ‘Souvenir Shops of Artists in Japan’ section, contrasting this with the skepticism often seen in the West. To bridge this gap, Rao recommends making insects ‘invisible’ in food, such as making the insects into powder and using insect powder in snacks like brownies or chips, so that people can enjoy the benefits of entomophagy without feeling uncomfortable at having to eat the actual insects.

Rao seeks opportunities for changing social perceptions about eating insects. She uses education and fun experiences like blind taste tests during the Minnesota State Fair where people can’t tell the difference between snacks made with regular flour and those made with insect flour. She believes that by making insects part of everyday foods and showing their health and environmental benefits, more people will be willing to embrace entomophagy.

Rao invites the CFANS community to participate in events and taste tests to experience the benefits of entomophagy firsthand. “Try it, be adventurous,” she encourages. Rao is eager to collaborate and guide projects involving research or the promotion of entomophagy for enhancing sustainable eating habits.

As Rao continues her mission to make entomophagy a common practice, her journey and achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the possibilities for each of us to change the narrative and embrace a more sustainable, protein-rich future with bugs on the menu!