Who has never taken an open package of food from the cupboard e noticed some bugs in the packaging? How boring! But, deep down, do you know what they are and what should be done in this situation? These are the weevils: small beetles, about 3 millimeters in size! In these cases, out of fear or lack of information, many people get rid of food contaminated by the plague.
But after all, do you know if eating cockroaches is really bad for your health? According to nutritionist Silvana Figueredo, pets are not bad in themselves! However, the expert states that “with their presence, you products can have their quality and nutritional value compromisedas they can be transmitters of fungi and other parasites, which produce toxins in food “.
How are weevils born?
Weevils can grow in all kinds of food and places! However, dry foods such as flour, dry pasta, tea and biscuits, for example, are the most vulnerable. Also legumes such as beans, lentils, chickpeas and soy; and even cereals such as rice and popcorn can receive this unwanted visit.
This way, when there are weevils in a package, eggs and larvae can develop there and migrate to other products! In these cases, reproduction depends on ideal conditions of humidity and temperature, which are very favorable in the home pantry.
How to avoid insects?
The problem of weevils can be avoided when the consumer is aware of the storage conditions at the time of purchase! That is, when choosing which food to take home, it is necessary to check the hygiene of the environment, whether there is the presence of dust or insects. Anyway, the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) warns of the risks of use, and it is recommended to discard the product if the presence of insects is detected.
“Insect proliferation control must be carried out on the plantation, but there are cases where they survive processing or packaging of the products, and the infestation usually starts with an already contaminated acquired food,” emphasizes the nutrition professor.
That is, it is necessary keep an eye out for any packaging violations, like holes. Immediately after opening, the product must be stored and hermetically sealed to increase the shelf life of the product. Also as a preventive measure, in the process of cleaning the rooms, it is indicated that the cabinets, shelves and other storage areas are emptied and the surfaces must be sanitized with a clean cloth, water and soap.
Golden tips to avoid woodworms
- Observe the food packaging at the time of purchase, if there are holes, dust, as well as check the presence of insects in the environment and the validity of the product;
- After opening the packages of cereals, flour or pasta, transfer the contents into tightly closed jars. Weevils won’t be able to survive in there. Furthermore, storing these foods in the refrigerator is also an option to prevent their proliferation;
- Put expiration date labels on each container. Therefore, expired ingredients should be discarded to avoid health risks. And dry foods, after opening, should be valid for about 1 month. If so, follow the manufacturer’s instructions;
- If you intend to store these foods, periodic inspection is required for holes, tears, or the presence of insects.
Source: Silvana Figueredo, Professor of Nutrition at the Faculdade Pitágoras Bacabal
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Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
