Is food infested with flies, is it still okay to eat it?
Most people probably already know and understand that flies are carriers of disease. However, there are still some who are just indifferent to devour the food that the fly has eaten. There are also those who only throw away part of the food that the fly has seized on. Actually, can we eat food when the flies are infected? Then, is there a way to prevent flies from stopping by our food?
Food is infested with flies, is it still fit to eat?
Almost everyone knows that flies are carriers of disease and animals that like to perch in dirty places.
However, many do not realize the real danger of food contamination due to fly “visits” even if only a fraction of a second.
According to experts, although many people are more disgusted by cockroaches, it turns out that flies are actually dirtier than cockroaches.
In fact, 1 fly can carry more than 300 types of viruses, bacteria and parasites that cause disease.
Most bacteria and germs are on the wings and feet of flies. So, just by perching on items for 1-2 seconds, your food is contaminated with germs.
Indeed, germs can only survive for a few hours on the surface of food. However, when you eat it right away, germs can quickly multiply in the body and cause infection.
Not only that, one fly stopping at your food is also enough to make you sick. So, there’s no need to wait for a colony of flies to swarm your food.
Not to mention if the flies leave eggs on the food they are on. You might swallow the eggs when you eat the food earlier.
Therefore, if there is only one fly that perches for a few seconds on your food, you should immediately discard the food and replace it with a new one.
What are the diseases carried by flies?
Some examples of germs that flies pick up on when stopping at your lunch plate include:
- E. coli
- Helicobacter pylori
- Salmonella
- Rotavirus
- Hepatitis A virus
The World Health Organization (WHO) also states that there are many diseases caused by food infestation of flies, such as:
How can flies avoid catching food and keep it clean?
Now that you know how dangerous the effects of flies are, now is the time for you to develop a strategy to prevent flies from settling on your food.
The most important key so that food is not seized by these creatures is to maintain personal hygiene, food, and the environment, especially the parts in your home.
This is because dirty environments such as trash cans, carcasses, and spoiled food are a place to live as well as a breeding ground for flies.
Here are ways you can do to prevent flies from roaming, even perching on your food:
1. Keep the kitchen clean
The main thing that you should pay attention to is the cleanliness of the kitchen in your home.
The reason is, all the food at home is of course processed and cooked in the kitchen before being served at the dining table.
Therefore, cleaning your food can be started from the manufacturing process, namely from the kitchen.
It is even better if you keep the kitchen doors and windows closed.
If the cleanliness of the kitchen is maintained, it is guaranteed that flies are reluctant to land on your cooking ingredients and utensils.
2. Store food in a closed place
Another way to prevent food from infesting flies is to store it immediately if it is not spent.
If there is food leftovers, store them in a closed place where no creatures, including flies, can reach them.
You can use a serving hood or place the food in a container that can be closed tightly.
The act of storing food properly will prevent food contamination and keep it clean.
3. Organize landfills properly
WHO also recommends that you always dispose of trash in its place and try to keep the trash can in your house always closed.
By managing garbage disposal at home, flies do not have the opportunity to land on them.
4. Install the fan
Another trick you can follow to keep flies from infesting food is to install a fan in the dining room.
This method is believed to be effective for repelling flies. The wind can help keep food away from flying flies.
5. Put in insect repellent
Several types of plants are believed to repel insects, including flies.
You might consider placing a few potted plants to keep flies away in the kitchen and dining room, such as:
- Eucalyptus leaves
- Citronella (fragrant lemongrass)
- Thyme leaves
- Peppermint
That was the explanation of the food that flies have, and the ways you can prevent it.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
