Is my food safe?

Yes. New World screwworm is an animal health problem, not a food safety problem.

The parasite affects living animals by depositing eggs in wounds and allowing larvae to feed on living tissue. It does not infest packaged meat, milk, fruits, vegetables, or other food products. Animals that enter the food supply undergo inspection processes designed to protect consumers.

Federal and state animal health officials have repeatedly emphasized that screwworm does not pose a direct threat to the safety of meat or dairy products. Consumers do not need to avoid beef, dairy products, or other animal products because of New World screwworm.

The greater concern is economic rather than food safety-related. Infestations can cause animal losses, increased treatment costs, movement restrictions, and disruptions in livestock production. These impacts can affect producers and markets, but they do not make properly inspected food unsafe to eat.

As always, consumers should follow normal food safety practices, including proper refrigeration, cooking, and handling of food products. Current concerns surrounding New World screwworm involve protecting animal health and preventing the parasite from spreading—not protecting the food supply from contamination.

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