Insect farming for human food is growing rapidly, raising important questions about whether and how insects experience suffering.
The welfare status of insects like crickets and mealworms is genuinely uncertain. Some researchers argue insects have basic forms of pain perception; others dispute this. Given this uncertainty, the precautionary principle suggests minimizing potential suffering. Key welfare considerations include appropriate temperature regulation, adequate food and water, density management, and humane slaughter methods. The scale of insect farming (billions of individuals) means even small welfare improvements could matter enormously if insects are sentient.