New Research Study Finds Fruit Flies Capable of Transferring Dangerous Bacteria, Posing Food Safety Risk

ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Fruit flies have long been a source of annoyance for restaurant,
foodservice and food processing operators. But now, new research shows
that these tiny pests can play a more sinister role: spreading
illness-inducing bacterial pathogens to food and food preparation
surfaces.

The study, conducted by scientists at Ecolab, the leading provider of
pest elimination solutions to the foodservice, food processing and food
retail industries, was recently published in the Journal
of Food Protection*. The study found evidence of fruit fliesÔÇÖ
ability to transfer harmful bacteria from a contaminated source to
surfaces or ready-to-eat food. Fruit flies are present in more than half
of foodservice facilities, according to data collected by EcolabÔÇÖs field
team, which provides both comprehensive and localized treatment options
for small flies.

ÔÇ£Our research confirms that the risk of fruit flies to food safety is as
threatening as that of other pests, such as cockroaches, rodents and
house flies,ÔÇØ said Dr. John Barcay, Ecolab senior staff scientist and an
author of the article, ÔÇ£Fruit
Flies as Potential Vectors of Foodborne Illness.ÔÇØ

In laboratory experiments, the researchers used specially made fly
enclosures to assess fruit fliesÔÇÖ ability to transfer E. coli, Salmonella
and Listeria bacteria from a contaminated food source to surfaces
of the enclosures. They also examined fruit fliesÔÇÖ ability to transfer E.
coli from a contaminated food source to non-contaminated foods.
Finally, the researchers investigated fruit fliesÔÇÖ capacity to carry
bacteria ÔÇô and the location on their bodies where they are most likely
to carry the microorganisms.

Results showed that fruit flies are capable of transferring E.coli,
Salmonella and Listeria to surfaces and relocating E.coli
from a contaminated source to fresh, ready-to-eat food. The data
showed that, on average, a fruit fly had the capacity to carry 1,000
(range 150 ÔÇô 10,000) ÔÇÿforeignÔÇÖ bacteria ÔÇô microorganisms that are not
part of their natural flora. Soil, biofilm and bacteria were found on
fruit fly tarsal and leg areas.

ÔÇ£The presence of even a small number of pathogenic foodborne bacteria
transferred by fruit flies to food preparation surfaces or ready-to-eat
foods can lead to a high probability of infection,ÔÇØ said Barcay. ÔÇ£This,
along with potentially rapid bacterial growth in many ready-to-eat
foods, indicates that a fruit fly infestation can pose a public health
risk in restaurants and other food service facilities.ÔÇØ

Study co-investigators E. P. Black, G.J. Hinrichs, D.B. Gardner and
Barcay conclude that food operators can reduce the risk by being
ÔÇ£prudent in eliminating fruit flies through proper cleaning and
sanitizing of potential breeding sites.ÔÇØ Those sites ÔÇô generally
anywhere food debris and aqueous fluids can collect and stagnate ÔÇô
include floor drains, drain lines from drink dispensing equipment and
floors with stagnating water. Further, the authors conclude that ÔÇ£it is
very important for food handling facilities to partner with reputable
pest management partners that are knowledgeable about how to inspect for
fruit fly breeding sites, perform chemical and non-chemical approaches
to eliminating fruit fries, and maintain good communication with
facility management and staff about maintaining structural integrity.ÔÇØ

* For more information on the research, read ÔÇ£Fruit
Flies as Potential Vectors of Foodborne Illness,ÔÇØ Journal of Food
Protection (Vol. 81, No. 3, 2018, pages 509ÔÇô514. doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-17-255).

About Ecolab
A trusted partner at nearly three million
customer locations, Ecolab (ECL) is the global leader in water, hygiene
and energy technologies and services that protect people and vital
resources. With annual sales of $14 billion and 48,000 associates,
Ecolab delivers comprehensive solutions, data-driven insights and
on-site service to promote safe food, maintain clean environments,
optimize water and energy use and improve operational efficiencies for
customers in the food, healthcare, energy, hospitality and industrial
markets in more than 170 countries around the world.

For more Ecolab news and information, visit www.ecolab.com.
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(ECL-C)

Contacts

Ecolab Inc.
Roman Blahoski, 651-250-4724
[email protected]