Tag: Intestinal myiasis

According to a Scientific American blog, the average American unknowingly ingests up to two pounds of flies, maggots, and other bugs each year, a fact that may comfort some but disgust others. While accidentally eating a maggot in your food can be a jarring experience, the outcome is usually harmless, though some potential risks exist, primarily related to the spoiled food they inhabit.

While the thought of eating maggots is off-putting to many, some cultures and survivalists consume insects as a food source. The question, "Are maggots unhealthy to eat?" isn't a simple yes or no, as the answer depends entirely on the maggot's source, preparation, and species. The primary danger comes not from the larvae themselves, but from the unsanitary and decaying matter they often inhabit.