A viral video has recently raised concerns across social media, claiming that apples sold in markets are being injected with poison as part of a broader conspiracy. The video, which has garnered over 1 million views on X (formerly Twitter), suggests that the tiny holes on apples are the result of poison injections, with sellers allegedly covering these holes with stickers to hide the damage. This claim, which has been labeled by some as “apple jihad,” has sparked fears among consumers.
The Claim: Poisoned Apples on the Market?
The video, shared by X user Tathvam-asi, alleges that apples are injected with poison, and the holes are then concealed by stickers. The video’s caption reads, “What is this? Another form of Jihaad? Looks like they injected some form of poison and covered it with a sticker. Check very carefully before buying. They resorted to war.” This video has caused widespread concern, with some users expressing their discomfort and even claiming to avoid buying fruits from markets as a result.
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
What is this? Another form of Jihaad? Looks like they injected some form of poison and covered it with a sticker. Check very carefully before buying. They resorted to war. pic.twitter.com/JJf0Sv5yAw
— Tathvam-asi (@ssaratht) November 2, 2024
The Real Cause of Holes in Apples: Pest Infestation, Not Poison
While the viral video has fueled anxiety about poisoned apples, many users on X, including Karthik Kalyan, have pointed out a much more common explanation for the holes in apples. According to Kalyan, “The tiny holes in apples are pretty common. These are caused by pests like codling moth larvae or apple maggot flies. The seller intentionally hid the infested apples with a sticker.”
HAVE A LOOK AT THE VIRAL POST:
The tiny holes in apples are pretty common. These are caused by caused by pests like codling moth larvae or apple maggot flies. The seller intentionally hid the infested apples with a sticker. pic.twitter.com/Vfx6JM2xB3
— Karthik Kalyan (@carthik1988) November 2, 2024
The codling moth (Cydia pomonella) is a well-known pest that affects apples and pears. As detailed by Homesandgardens, the larvae of these moths burrow into the fruit, creating small holes and damage. This makes the fruit less desirable and, in some cases, unfit for sale. The pests typically target young, developing fruits in the spring, causing significant harm to orchards. Consequently, many apples may have small holes due to this natural pest damage.
Codling Moths: The Real Culprit Behind the Holes
Codling moths have long been a threat to fruit trees, particularly apples. As reported by Homesandgardens, the larvae burrow into the fruit, ruining the apple and leaving behind visible holes. This pest problem has led many farmers and sellers to discard large portions of their harvest. The use of stickers to cover these imperfections is a common practice in the industry to make the apples more appealing to customers. However, this natural damage should not be confused with poison injections, as suggested in the viral video.
Debunking the Misinformation: Apples Are Not Poisoned
Given the scientific explanation of codling moth infestations and the common practice of covering damage with stickers, the claim that apples are intentionally injected with poison is likely misinformation. The viral video’s narrative of poisoned apples is not supported by any credible evidence and has been debunked by experts and social media users alike.
Separating Fact from Fiction
In conclusion, the viral video suggesting that apples are injected with poison is based on false claims. The holes in apples are typically caused by pests like the codling moth, which burrows into the fruit during its development. Sellers may hide these holes with stickers to improve the apples’ appearance, but there is no evidence to support the idea that apples are being deliberately poisoned. Consumers should be cautious and informed about such viral claims and rely on verified information before jumping to conclusions.