Western Reader
Tyson Foods, the world’s second-largest processor and marketer of meat, has announced a joint venture with Protix, the world’s largest insect factory.
This partnership aims to explore the production of insect proteins and lipids for the pet food, aquaculture, and livestock industries. However, concerns have been raised about the implications of such practices for our food system and ethical considerations.
The plan involves the construction of an insect ingredient facility in the United States. This facility will be the first large-scale facility of its kind to convert food manufacturing byproducts into high-quality insect proteins and lipids. The process includes using animal waste to feed black soldier flies, which are then used as food for pets, poultry, and fish.
Tyson foods want you to eat ze bugs
They are laying off a lot of people
Many people I know are losing their jobs
If you’d like to work from home and get paid part time signing up your friends to buy 450+ products from a Patriot owned company
[email protected] pic.twitter.com/b2aOfdhqUy
— Pepe Deluxe 🐸 (@deluxe_pepe) October 23, 2023
While Tyson Foods and Protix see this venture as a game-changing solution that adds value to their business, some question the sustainability and ethical implications. Is this a step towards a more sustainable food system or just a trendy move towards alternative protein sources?
John R. Tyson, the Chief Financial Officer of Tyson Foods, and Kees Aarts, CEO of Protix, have expressed enthusiasm for the venture and the potential for a circular value chain. However, the idea of feeding animals insects raised on their own waste raises concerns about the natural food chain.
The strategic investment aims to support the growth of the emerging insect ingredient industry and expand the use of insect ingredient solutions to create more efficient sustainable proteins and lipids for the global food system. But the question remains: do insect proteins hold the key to sustainability?
@Tyson Foods cuts deal with insect protine company Protix, Because “you will eat zee bug”. Its time to boycott Tyson Foods and all other distopian company.
#FŭckTysonFoods
#BoycottTysonFoods
#WeWillNotEatZBugs
https://t.co/gUkId39OuT…
pic.twitter.com/d5psisOCaU— ©️ Thę§ĕ NüTT§🥜™️ (@BigWalnuTTs) October 20, 2023
The agreement combines Tyson Foods’ global scale, experience, and network with Protix’s technology and market leadership to meet current market demand and scale production of insect ingredients. However, the health implications for animals and humans consuming these products remain largely unexplored.
While Tyson Foods’ venture into insect protein production may seem innovative, it raises significant concerns about the future of our food system. As consumers, we need to be vigilant and question the ethical and health implications of such practices.
This article appeared in Watch Dog News and has been published here with permission.
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