Can You Eat A Cockroach?

     In October of 2012 a 32-year-old man downed dozens of cockroaches and worms to win a python worth $850 at a Florida reptile store, then minutes later collapsed and died.
     The man, Edward Archbold, was among 20 to 30 contestants participating in the contest with the goal to eat as many insects and worms as they could. The store owner described Archbold as the life of the party and said he really made the night more fun. The fun was over when soon after the contest Archbold fell ill, collapsed outside the store and began to vomit. A friend called for medical help then Archbold himself dialed 911. An ambulance took him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. 
     The contestants had signed a waiver accepting responsibility and the insects used in the contest were raised in a controlled environment as food for reptiles. No other contestant got sick, so it’s unlikely that the cockroaches and other bugs had anything to do with Archbold’s death. 
     In the wild, cockroaches are scavengers that pick up various bacterial organisms. Cockroaches themselves don't transmit disease, though they can contaminate food with their waste and saliva which contains bacteria that can cause food poisoning, diarrhea, and Staphylococcus infections.. Cockroaches can pick up Salmonella on their legs and deposit it to food, which can cause food poisoning if ingested. 
     Although they are associated with, and thrive in conditions of poor sanitation due to the large amount of food available, they can also invade even the best-kept homes. Contrary to popular belief, you do not get cockroaches because of poor housekeeping. Cockroaches can come into your home on food, packages, boxes, used furniture and appliances, or can migrate from adjoining apartments or buildings. Also, breathing dust containing cockroach feces or body parts can cause an allergic reaction and asthma, especially in children. 
     But, yes, you can safely eat cockroaches...just not the ones you find around your house. Cockroaches can actually be very clean and tasty insects, especially if they are fed on fresh fruits and vegetables. They can be eaten toasted, fried, sauteed, or boiled. Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches have a taste and texture like greasy chicken. 
     Cockroaches are a good source of protein. They always say that about any disgusting, particularly nasty food. People say they taste a bit like burnt chicken and have a slightly nauseating odor. They are a good source of protein. In some parts of the world it is possible to buy chocolate coated fried roaches. It’s said you can’t really tell tou’re eating a cockroach because it's flavor blends well with chocolate. When served as food all the seasoning makes them lose their natural flavor.