Flies can pick up all kinds of nasty germs from soil, animals, and waste products and transfer it to your food if it lands on it. Burn a citronella candle, but keep bug zappers away from food. We have been talking about meats and veggies, but there has been a recent alert regarding melons. It was suggested that melons be washed with soap to remove contaminants on their skin that could be carried into the fruit when it is cut. I'm told by food safety scientists that melons should be scrubbed under clear running water with a vegetable brush before cutting into them.
Soap really has no place on food.
No one knows whether soap residue is harmful to your health. Avoid taking anything with raw egg in it, such as homemade mayo and homemade hollandaise sauce. Wash any fruits and vegetables before putting in your picnic basket. Other risky foods are raw shellfish and raw fish in general. If fish is allowed to get too warm for too long, it can make you sick EVEN if thoroughly cooked.