Fly eggs are small and inconspicuous, which is why it is quite possible that you have already eaten one or two of them. Rarely is this dangerous.
Fly eggs eaten – how dangerous it really is
Flies prefer to lay their eggs on perishable foods. If you eat them without thinking, the fly eggs can disappear into your digestive tract. However, this is not necessarily a reason to panic.
- Once you have eaten the fly eggs, they enter the stomach via the oesophagus with the rest of the food. There, the aggressive stomach acid ensures that the eggs are completely dissolved and digested. In healthy people, eating them does not have a negative effect on their health, only the taste of the food suffers.
- Things can become more problematic if children eat fly eggs without thinking, as the little ones have a weaker immune system. Children may therefore feel unwell later on. As soon as you notice that your child has eaten fly eggs, first observe the development. If the symptoms are more serious, you should definitely consult a doctor.
- As fly eggs usually settle on already spoiled food, the condition of the food is more likely to be the cause of your possible health problems than the small fly eggs. Raw meat in particular, such as minced meat, which is not stored properly, is an ideal breeding ground for flies. So if you feel sick after eating the fly eggs and the food, this is primarily due to the food itself.
- In very rare cases, fly eggs or larvae can survive and develop in the gastrointestinal tract. This is called myiasis – it occurs mainly in regions with poor hygienic conditions or through certain types of flies. If you suspect an infection, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Eating fly eggs: how to react correctly
In most cases, eating fly eggs is harmless. Your gastrointestinal tract is equipped to effectively kill the eggs and larvae using stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Therefore, the first thing to do is to stay calm!
- In order to be on the safe side and ensure that the fly eggs are not causing you any problems, you should pay attention to the signs your body is showing. If you notice increased bowel movements in the following days or suffer from nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for a longer period of time, you should see a doctor.
- If you have gastrointestinal problems for more than 48 hours or even have a fever, blood in your stool or unusual weakness and exhaustion, you should seek medical advice.
- People with a weakened immune system such as older people, young children or chronically ill people should also consult a doctor if they fear they have eaten fly eggs.
What you can do as a preventative measure
There are a few simple measures you can take to prevent fly eggs from getting into your food. Especially in the warm season, you should make sure that you store your food properly. Otherwise, flies can quickly discover your food and use it as an egg-laying site.
- Before you prepare your food, you should always check the condition of the ingredients. If you are not sure, it is better to dispose of individual ingredients. Otherwise, store fresh food in a cool place or use it immediately.
- Do not leave food uncovered, especially outdoors. Flies prefer to lay their eggs on perishable foods such as meat, fish, eggs or fruit.
- Use cling film, containers with lids or possibly fly hoods to protect food.
- Keep the kitchen clean, dispose of garbage regularly and do not leave leftover food lying around.
Flies are attracted to poor hygienic conditions. - Keep windows and doors closed or use fly screens to keep flies out of your home.
