Flies are ubiquitous in our environments. They are everywhere we go, from our homes to restaurants, parks, and other public places.

Despite their ubiquity, people know very little about them, including their potential for spreading diseases through food contamination. In this article, we will provide the truth about flies and food contamination.

What are Flies?

Flies are tiny insects that belong to the order Diptera. They have a pair of wings, three pairs of legs, and a single pair of antennae. There are thousands of species of flies in the world, including house flies, fruit flies, and blowflies, among others.

Why are Flies attracted to Food?

Flies are attracted to food because of their highly developed sense of smell. They are equipped with chemoreceptors that can detect a wide range of odors and volatile compounds that emanate from food.

They are especially attracted to sweet and rotting odors. Flies are also attracted to warmth and light, which is why they are often seen buzzing near light bulbs and other sources of heat.

How can Flies Contaminate Food?

Flies can contaminate food in several ways. The most common way is through direct contact. Flies land on food and regurgitate digestive enzymes and excrete fecal matter.

These substances contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning, diarrheal disease, and other illnesses.

Flies can also spread disease indirectly. They can pick up harmful bacteria and viruses from a contaminated source, such as feces, and then transfer them to food through direct contact.

This process is known as mechanical transmission and is a common way that flies can spread diseases.

Flies can also transmit diseases through biological transmission. Some species of flies can carry disease-causing microorganisms within their bodies.

These microorganisms can multiply within the fly and be transmitted to humans through bites or exposure to fly saliva or feces.

What Diseases can Flies Transmit?

Flies can transmit a wide range of diseases, including:.

Salmonella
Cholera
Dysentery
Typhoid fever
E. coli
Staphylococcus aureus
Hepatitis A
Polio

How to Prevent Fly-Borne Diseases

Preventing fly-borne diseases involves several strategies. These include:.

Cleanliness: Keeping your environment clean and free of food debris and other sources of odor can help prevent flies from being attracted to your space.
Sanitation: Properly disposing of waste material, including food scraps and pet excrement, is an effective way to prevent fly infestations.
Food Storage: Storing food in airtight containers and refrigerating perishable items can prevent flies from accessing them.
Screening: Covering doors and windows with screens can prevent flies from entering your home or restaurant.
Insecticides: Using insecticides can be an effective way to kill flies and prevent infestations. However, it is essential to use caution when handling these chemicals and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

The Bottom Line

Flies are common and can easily contaminate food, which can cause serious illnesses to humans when ingested. Thus, it is essential to follow preventive measures regularly to keep the flies away.