Elise Hoek

Elise Hoek, PhD MSc, serves as Group Leader of Team Agrochains at Wageningen University & Research. She is an active researcher with 71 research outputs, 5 datasets, and leadership in 9 research projects (3 active, 6 finished). Her work focuses on food safety in circular production systems, particularly regarding insect-based food and feed.

Her research interests center on food safety hazards, mycotoxins, and insect rearing systems. She specializes in the safety assessment of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) reared on various waste streams, analysis of aflatoxin contamination and bioconversion, and identification of chemical, microbial, and physical hazards in circular food production systems. Her work bridges food safety science with sustainable production methods.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on food safety in emerging food production systems, particularly examining how insects can safely convert waste streams into valuable protein sources. Her research spans toxicology, food regulation, and circular economy applications, with particular emphasis on mycotoxins like aflatoxin B1 and their behavior in insect-based systems.

Dr. Hoek leads multiple significant projects including 'Safe insect rearing on yet to be legally authorised residual streams' and 'SAFERMENT - Safe precision fermentation for production of dairy and meat protein analogues.' Her research has been covered by 2 news outlets and has attracted 54 readers on Mendeley, indicating substantial professional interest in her work.

She has presented her research at numerous conferences and seminars, including topics on the safety of black soldier fly larvae reared on different biowaste substrates and the safety of insects for feed and food investigated in the H2020 project SUSINCHAIN. Her media appearances include discussions on whether insects can safely grow on residual streams and the safety of gluten-fed insects.