Buzz Off: Understanding the Health Risks of Flies Landing on Your Food and How to Safeguard Against Contamination

 During warmer months, flies are a common sight in homes and, regrettably, sometimes on food. Many individuals are curious about the safety of consuming food that a fly has landed on. Research from the University of Sydney indicates that the risk of food contamination is generally low but not non-existent. Flies often regurgitate enzyme-rich saliva on their food, which helps dissolve it for consumption. It is important to note that flies frequently feed on decaying organic matter, including feces, making them carriers of numerous germs.

Houseflies are known to carry over 130 pathogens, including fungi, viruses, parasites, and bacteria, some of which can be life-threatening. These pathogens can cause food poisoning symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever.

The likelihood of a healthy individual getting infected depends on the duration of the fly's contact with the food. If a single fly briefly touched the food, experts say it is still safe to eat. However, if multiple flies have been resting on the food for an extended period, it is best to discard it. In summary, the health risk posed by a lone fly briefly landing on fresh food is minimal, especially for those with a robust immune system.