What Happens If You Eat Food That Has A Fly On It? Knowing The Reasons Will Make You Reconsider Outdoor Snack

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Imagine having a picnic in the park, the sun casting a warm glow, and you're about to savor a delightful outdoor snack. However, before you take that first blissful bite, consider the uninvited guests that may be joining you - flies. While they may seem harmless, the world of flies and their interaction with our food is far from appetizing. From germs to digestive juices, what flies do to your food might just make you rethink that al fresco feast.

Houseflies are not just winged nuisances; they are also adept germ carriers of pathogens that are linked to severe and life-threatening diseases like tuberculosis, typhoid fever, dysentery, and cholera, as per the US National Institute of Health.

These tiny creatures often frequent unsavory places like garbage bins, decaying matter, and even feces. So, when they land on your favourite chaats, paanipuri, bhelpuri, poori sabji, rolls, chowmein- they may deposit a host of harmful bacteria, turning your delicious street food into a potential health hazard.

How Houseflies Feed On Your Food
Houseflies feed on feces and other decomposing organic materials regularly and their hairy bodies and sticky footpads pick up a myriad of bacteria, fungi, and other contaminants during these explorations.

According to a 2018 paper published in the 'BMC Public Health' journal, during their feeding process, pathogens adhere to their mouthparts, wings, legs, and other body surfaces.

They don't have mouthparts designed for chewing; instead, they possess sponging mouthparts. The sponge-like structure allows them to sop up liquids, making them particularly attracted to moist or semi-liquid substances. This includes anything from spilled beverages to the corners of your kitchen sink.

When a housefly lands on your food, it's not just a fleeting visit. Houseflies engage in external digestion, a process where they regurgitate digestive enzymes onto solid food. This transforms your meal into a liquid, and the housefly then uses its sponge-like mouthparts to slurp up the semi-digested, saliva-soaked feast. This not only contaminates your food but also introduces potential pathogens from the fly's saliva.

Houseflies don't stop at external digestion; they take it a step further by excreting their stomach contents onto the food. This vomit, containing a mix of gastric juices and digestive enzymes, aids in further liquefying the meal. Yes, that's right - houseflies can literally vomit on your food.

Some houseflies take their unsavory habits a step further by laying eggs on or near food sources. These eggs can hatch into larvae, commonly known as maggots, which feast on organic matter, including your once-edible items. The presence of maggots in your food is not only revolting but poses health risks as well.

Preventing Houseflies from Compromising Your Food Safety

1. Preventing flies from touching your food is essential for maintaining hygiene and ensuring that your meals remain safe to eat. Flies can carry disease-causing bacteria on their bodies and may contaminate your food when they land on it. Here are some effective tips to keep those pesky flies at bay and protect your meals.
2. Use food covers or mesh screens to physically block flies from reaching your dishes, especially during outdoor events or picnics. These covers allow air circulation while keeping flies away.
3. Do not consume food from street-side vendors, especially if the environment looks unhygienic.
Store food in sealable containers with tight-fitting lids. This is particularly important for outdoor events, camping, or picnics. Flies are less likely to access sealed containers, reducing the risk of contamination.
4. Clean food preparation surfaces promptly to eliminate any food residues that might attract flies. Wipe down countertops, tables, and other surfaces to reduce the chances of flies being drawn to leftover crumbs.
5. Keep trash cans tightly sealed, and dispose of garbage regularly to avoid creating a breeding ground for flies. Make sure trash bins have secure lids to prevent flies from accessing food scraps.
6. Employ natural fly repellents, such as essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, or mint. Place these oils in strategic locations around your food or use them to create a barrier. Flies tend to avoid strong scents.
7. Flies are generally repelled by the scent of citrus. You can place 6 cloves inside half a lemon; do the same for 3-4 lemon halves and leave them on the kitchen counter or anywhere else you keep food. The natural citrus oils can deter flies from approaching.
8. Use fly screens on windows and doors to prevent flies from entering your living or dining spaces. This is especially useful in areas where flies are prevalent.
9. If possible, avoid leaving food uncovered and unattended for extended periods. Flies are quick to seize opportunities, and covering food promptly reduces the chances of contamination.
10. Use fans to create airflow in indoor and outdoor spaces. Flies have difficulty flying in strong currents, so placing fans strategically can deter them from approaching your food.
11. Introduce natural predators of flies, such as certain plants or predatory insects, to your environment. For instance, planting basil or mint can help repel flies, while introducing fly predators like parasitic wasps can control fly populations.
12. While planning for outdoor dinner, instead of using bright lights, dim the lights or use yellow bulbs to prevent attracting flies and mosquitoes.
13. You can use alcohol-based mouthwash which will repel the flies to come around your food. You can add the solution in a spray bottle and spray it on the legs of tables and chairs.
14. Flies are more attracted to warm food. If possible, keep perishable foods in coolers or refrigerators until it's time to serve them. Cold temperatures make the food less appealing to flies.
15. Inform guests about the importance of keeping food covered and the potential risks associated with flies. Encourage everyone to follow hygiene practices to minimize the chances of contamination.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.