Insects and mites are common inhabitants and accidental invaders of food, including durable commodities, and their presence can have both direct and indirect effects on human health. The most common direct effect is contamination of food with arthropod fragments and related contaminants, which may be allergenic or even carcinogenic. The most important indirect effect is that their presence can change the storage microenvironment, making durable products suitable for the rapid development of fungi and other microorganisms. Some of these fungi can produce toxins (e.g., aflatoxins) that endanger human health. Insects may actively or passively contribute to the spread of microorganisms, increasing product contamination, and they may host bacteria that have developed antibiotic resistance, contributing to their spread in food. Several species also may host, attract, or transmit tapeworms, predators, or parasitoids that may affect health. This review synthesizes research on these topics and suggests directions for future research.

Crop Research Institute 161 06 Prague 6 Czechia

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Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment University of Thessaly Nea Ionia Volos 384 46 Magnesia Greece

San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center Agricultural Research Service US Department of Agriculture Parlier California 93648 9757 USA

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