Video: FOX23 Investigates: Bugs in berries: Soaking method can draw them out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2GogocIKFc

A viral food trend is encouraging people to take a closer look at their berries before eating them.

Videos circulating on social media show people soaking strawberries and other berries in water, sometimes with salt, in an effort to draw out tiny insects or larvae that may be hiding on or inside the fruit.

The trend has raised a simple question for shoppers: Are there really bugs hiding in our berries, and does soaking them actually get them out?

Why Bugs Can End Up on Fruit

Fresh berries are grown outdoors, which means they can come into contact with insects and other naturally occurring organisms before they reach the grocery store.

Small insects or larvae can sometimes be difficult to see because of the size and structure of the fruit. Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries have many small crevices where debris or tiny organisms could become trapped.

That doesn't necessarily mean the fruit is unsafe to eat. Proper handling and washing are important parts of reducing contamination before consuming fresh produce.

Does a Salt-Water Soak Work?

Soaking berries in salt water may cause some small insects or larvae to emerge, particularly if they are already present on the surface or in accessible crevices.

But the method is not a scientifically established way to determine whether berries contain pests, and seeing something emerge from a soak doesn't necessarily mean the fruit was contaminated in a dangerous way.

Experts generally recommend washing fresh produce thoroughly under running water rather than relying on homemade solutions to disinfect it.

Washing Is Still the Best First Step

The FDA recommends washing fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.

The agency also advises consumers to wash produce even when they plan to peel it, because bacteria or other contaminants on the outside can be transferred to the inside during preparation.

Soap, detergent and commercial produce washes aren't recommended for cleaning fruits and vegetables.

For delicate berries, consumers can rinse them gently under cool running water and allow them to drain before eating.

What About the Viral Videos?

Social media videos showing tiny creatures emerging from berries can be unsettling, but they can also make a normal part of eating fresh produce seem more alarming than it is.

The presence of an insect does not automatically mean the fruit is dangerous. Fresh produce can naturally encounter insects during growing and harvesting, and finding one does not by itself indicate that a foodborne illness outbreak or widespread contamination exists.

The more important concern is proper food handling.

A Simple Way to Handle Fresh Berries

Consumers can reduce the risk of contamination by keeping berries refrigerated, washing their hands before handling food and rinsing produce under running water shortly before eating.

Damaged, moldy or spoiled berries should be discarded rather than eaten.

And while a salt-water soak may satisfy curiosity, it shouldn't replace basic food-safety practices.

For shoppers wondering whether their berries are safe, the simplest approach remains the same: wash them well, inspect them carefully and follow standard produce-safety guidance.

Source: FOX23 News