Is it Safe to Eat Something a Cockroach Touched?

Here’s the truth: eating food that a cockroach has made contact with is generally not safe. These insects, known for their unhygienic habits, can carry a variety of bacteria and pathogens that can contaminate your food. The risks of spreading diseases increase significantly when cockroaches frequent unsanitary environments.

If you come across food that a cockroach has walked on, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Proper hygiene and food safety practices are crucial to minimize the risk of contamination.

Underlying Causes and Health Risks

I always assumed that a major infestation of cockroaches would have led to the extinction of humans long ago. However, it didn’t, and that’s a good thing. But, one memorable experience with a bout of violent illness led me to research the actual health risks associated with cockroaches.

I was diagnosed with Giardia, a parasitic disease that is one of the many ways cockroaches can transmit infections. The list of diseases that cockroaches can carry and spread is quite alarming:

Salmonellosis Typhoid Fever Cholera Gastroenteritis Dysentery Leprosy Plague Campylobacteriosis Listeriosis Giardia

In addition to the bacterial and parasitic infections, cockroaches can also trigger asthma and other allergies. They are carriers of harmful staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus, which can further complicate the health risks involved.

Personal Experiences and Precautionary Measures

One of the big reasons I moved from Texas to Colorado was to get away from these pesky insects. Their legs, covered in hairs, can pick up and spread all sorts of filth. If I ever noticed a cockroach around food, there was no question: I would toss the food.

It became a habit to make sure no food was exposed to any form of animals. Glass jars with “stuff” under glass food containers, for instance, were kept tightly closed. Using poison also helped, but with modern restrictions, it's not just a matter of spraying anything anywhere. One product that worked exceptionally well was DEMON WP. With a 90-day residual, this wettable powder was sprayed in areas where pets couldn't access, but any self-respecting cockroach would walk upside down under your cabinet to try.

The process entailed:

14.09 at Wal-Mart for four packets Warm water to mix with the powder A dedicated sprayer, purchased specifically for this purpose