Environmental and health risk assessment of Acarus siro and Suidasia medanensis in the product POWERfood 3.0

Background

POWERFOOD 3.0 is used as feed for various predatory mites and predatory insects. Acarus siro, Suidasia pontifica, and Carpoglyphus lactis constitute the product. Carpoglyphus lactis has previously been assessed by VKM. VKM has now prepared an environmental and health risk assessment of A. siro and S. pontifica.

Conclusions

Acarus siro occurs naturally in Norway, and new introductions will most likely be able to establish and spread in Norway. Suidasia pontifica, on the other hand, has never been recorded in the wild in Norway, and its tropical origin suggests that it will not establish and spread in Norway.

No records of negative effects of A. siro and S. pontifica on biodiversity were found.

Several studies report allergies to mites, including the species in the product POWERFOOD 3.0. The likelihood of developing mite allergies after handling the product is therefore high. However, the likelihood of allergic reactions following consumption of plants treated with the product appears to be low.

Regarding taxonomic challenges that may affect the risk assessment, VKM found out that A. siro can be mistaken for A. farris and A. immobilis. These species differ only slightly in development and ecology. From the limited available knowledge about their biology, these three species are expected to have similar effects on biodiversity and human health.

There are no known problems with species identification for Suidasia pontifica. The taxonomic issue with this species is that much of the literature uses an invalid name; S. medanensis.

The risk assessment is approved by VKM's Panel on Plant Health.

VKM provides independent scientific assessments of issues that are important for the environment and safe food. VKM does not give advice or take a position on how the risk should be managed. We can investigate the consequences of various alternative actions, but our commissioners decide how to manage risk.