Buzz
A TikTok video, along with a Buzzfeed article, has caused a stir online by displaying what looks like tiny, worm-like insects emerging from fresh strawberries soaked in saltwater. Is this genuine? Have we been consuming larvae in our berry desserts without realizing it? Should we avoid fruit altogether? I consulted experts to uncover the truth.
The quick response: this phenomenon can occur, though it’s rare. Neither food safety specialists nor entomologists recommend using saltwater to clean your fruit.
What exactly is taking place in this video?
Krista Torres, the creator of the video, explains: “I prepared a bowl of room-temperature water, added a generous amount of sea salt (around five heaping spoonfuls), placed the strawberries inside, and waited approximately 30 minutes.” She observed small, white, worm-like creatures emerging from the strawberries and identified them as larvae of the spotted-wing fruit flies, scientifically known as Drosophila suzukii.
The video doesn’t confirm if the species identification is accurate, but we’ll delve into that shortly.
According to entomologist Hannah Burrack from North Carolina State University, who assists berry farmers with pest control, the saltwater soak is a method employed by growers and wholesalers to detect fly larvae in berries. Berries are transported from growers to wholesalers, who package them into clamshell containers, and then sold to supermarkets. Burrack states, “If wholesalers discover larvae in the fruit from a specific grower, they will return the entire shipment.”
While only a sample of each shipment is tested, there’s no absolute assurance that the remaining berries are free of larvae. However, the goal is to reduce the likelihood of infested berries entering the supply chain.
Do all strawberries contain bugs like these?
Not all strawberries contain bugs, but it’s likely that some do.
Fruit flies, those tiny insects that appear around overripe fruit left on your counter, are often Drosophila melanogaster or Drosophila simulans, according to Burrack. These adults, which you’ve likely encountered and swatted at countless times, lay nearly microscopic eggs in the soft parts of fruit. The eggs hatch into tiny larvae, or maggots, resembling the “worms” seen in the TikTok video. Over time, these larvae grow into flies, continuing the life cycle.
Typically, these insects are found in damaged or overripe fruit. However, a species called Drosophila suzukii uses a saw-toothed ovipositor (essentially a butt spike) to deposit its eggs into fresh berries while they’re still growing on the plant.
As highlighted in the Buzzfeed article, “the females insert their eggs into the interior of fruits that are just starting to ripen, particularly blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. THIS MEANS THESE BUGS ARE PROBABLY PRESENT IN ALL BERRIES!”
Burrack explains that it’s impossible to determine if the larvae in the video are D. suzukii, as all Drosophila larvae look identical. Since growers and wholesalers work hard to prevent D. suzukii from entering the food supply, it’s unlikely. These larvae could just as easily come from a fruit fly in the grocery store or Krista Torres’ kitchen.
Is it dangerous to consume these bugs by accident?
No. While the thought of bugs hiding in your berries might be off-putting, they pose no harm. “They’re safe to eat, though admittedly a bit unpleasant,” says Ben Chapman, a food safety expert at North Carolina State University.
“‘Natural’ protein,” tweeted Courtney Crist, a food safety specialist, when I inquired about it.
“If you’ve eaten berries, chances are you’ve consumed these at some point,” remarks entomologist Joe Ballenger.
Let’s be honest, finding bugs in your food is downright disgusting.
A fair observation. But let’s be clear: this isn’t a new issue. Vegetables are grown outdoors, in soil, where bugs thrive. Ballenger casually mentioned recently finding a plant bug (yes, that’s its actual name) in his lettuce. These bugs inject saliva into leaves and then consume the resulting mixture. Chances are, you’ve ingested plenty of plant bug saliva.
Similarly, Chapman pointed out that worms in fresh fish are so prevalent that sushi restaurants must freeze raw fish before serving to eliminate any worms. This means the worms are still present—just no longer alive.
I could elaborate, but I’ll stop here. The bottom line is, you’ve likely consumed many things you’d prefer not to dwell on. Or, as Ballenger succinctly puts it: “If you scrutinize anything too closely, it’s bound to seem gross.”
Alright, so how should I handle my strawberries?
Everyone I consulted agreed: there’s no need to soak them in saltwater or take any extraordinary measures. A simple rinse is sufficient.
Burrack emphasizes the importance of storing your berries in the refrigerator. This not only extends their shelf life but also protects them from fruit flies that might be hovering around your kitchen. Additionally, after three days in the fridge, any fruit fly eggs or larvae in the berries are likely to be dead.
All the traditional tips for preserving strawberries still hold true, with a key recommendation being to avoid washing the berries until you’re ready to consume them. Washing can cause minor damage, making the berries more susceptible to mold and microbial growth. Instead, wash only the portion you plan to eat immediately and leave the rest refrigerated for later use.
