Exploring meat analogs: A review of alternative proteins with a focus on food safety and regulatory challenges

Food safety and environmental concerns are global challenges that require innovative solutions, and alternative protein sources like insect proteins, plant-based meat analogs (PBMAs), and single-cell proteins represent promising pathways toward sustainable nutrition. These proteins are produced through different techniques including extrusion, fermentation, and cell cultivation, with emerging technologies like 3D printing and shear cell structuring enhancing their texture and nutritional quality. Beyond their technological advantages, these alternatives provide significant environmental benefits by reducing resource use and greenhouse gas emissions while helping to close the global protein gap. However, challenges related to production, safety, and ethics must be addressed to meet regulatory standards and gain consumer trust. Microbial safety remains a major concern across alternative proteins, including plant-based proteins, insect proteins, and single-cell proteins. Contamination during production, processing, and storage can lead to pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Bacillus cereus. Employing pathogen-reducing techniques and processing methods, such as heat treatments and drying, is critical to minimize microbial loads. Research gaps remain, particularly in the microbial safety of microalgal products, requiring more stringent quality control and decontamination practices. Allergenicity also poses a notable risk, with common allergens found in plant-based proteins such as nuts, legumes, and cereals. Insects, particularly crickets and mealworms, are also allergenic, with proteins like tropomyosin causing cross-reactivity with shellfish allergens. Additionally, mycotoxins (e.g., aflatoxins and ochratoxins), and heavy metals (e.g., lead and cadmium), can accumulate in alternative proteins, necessitating careful monitoring to protect vulnerable populations, such as children and allergy sufferers. Despite these challenges, ongoing research and innovation continue to advance the safety, efficiency, and scalability of alternative protein systems, reinforcing their potential as viable components of future sustainable food networks.