The disgusting reason you should never eat food a fly has landed on
Most people who notice a fly land on the food they’d be eating don’t think that much of it, other than shooing the pesky insect away before continuing to dig in.
But new research suggests this might not be the smartest thing to do.
A study from researchers at Penn State University’s Eberly College of Science, Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, reveals insects carry more dangerous bacteria than once thought.
The research reveals insect legs transfer the most microbial content between surfaces, suggesting flies could rapidly spread pathogens during a disease outbreak.
“We believe that this may show a mechanism for pathogen transmission that has been overlooked by public health officials, and flies may contribute to the rapid transmission of pathogens in outbreak situations,” said Professor Bryant.
“It will really make you think twice about eating that potato salad that’s been sitting out at your next picnic.”
What are your thoughts?