Background

It is evident that the popular platform of TikTok can be helpful in some cases. However, it can also be a danger by providing harmful misinformation that can cause a person to believe and partake in something that can cause them to become ill. In the beginning of this year, the viral hack of storing cut avocados in water to keep them from going brown, blew up on the well-known social media platform. Just like many things that float around on TikTok people are bound to try this hack. Many videos were created in response to this hack; trying it to see if it stopped an avocado from browning, praising the hack, and evidently causing many people to store their food this way for weeks, even up to months.

Head to Original Source

There are hundreds of videos testing, praising, and promoting this unhealthy viral hack. Even some viral networks like the Today Show, are spreading the dangerous information about how avocados are assumed to stay good when submerged completely in water.

One of the earliest TikTok created in promoting this hack was posted by @luly_belle on March 3 of this year. In her video, she claims  in her video that avocados can be stored by being submerged in water and they last for a long long time.”

This claim is actually extremely dangerous because weeks old avocados will evidently collect harmful bacteria. While the avocados may look fresh and delicious, it does not mean that they are safe for consumption.

Try a Keyword Search

There are numerous articles reporting on the fact that the FDA advises AGAINST storing avocados in water.

Jannell Goodwin, spokesperson from the FDA reported,

“The FDA does not recommend this practice. The main concern is with the possibility that any residual human pathogens (i.e. Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., etc.) may be residing on the avocado surface, may potentially multiply during the storage when submerged in water.”

These pathogens are very harmful to the human body. Salmonella can cause symptoms such as; a fever, chills, diarrhea, and abdominal pains. Additionally, Listeria monocytogenes can cause a fever, muscles aches, nausea, and diarrhea. These bacterias can cause severe illnesses and even death to those who have weaker immune systems. Listeria monocytogenes most commonly sickens pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weaker immune systems.

After showcasing the avocado ‘hack’ on their show, The Today Show, posted an article on May 31, 2022, advising against doing the ‘hack’ because the FDA did not approve of it.

The director of growth at ASI Food safety, Matt Regusci said,”Bacteria like Listeria and Salmonella are living creatures. They need the right temperature, food, and most importantly water to grow. When you cut into an avocado, split it in half, then submerge it in water, you provide the perfect environment to create a pathogenic soup.”

Evidently, storing your avocados like this is obviously not safe.

Spotting Reliable Sources 

I located many articles on the topic of the viral TikTok hack. Majority of these were written  by health organizations such as; Well+Good, VeryWellHealth, and EverydayHealth. However, the most important of these sources is the FDA, the Food and Drug Association, a federal agency of the Department of Health and Human Services. The FDA’s main purpose is to protect the public’s health by providing information on health subjects.

Rating 

Bottom line is, NO, storing avocados in water will not keep them good for weeks upon weeks. This ‘hack’ is not legit In fact it is a safety hazard. In conclusion, it is best to just spend the money for new avocados instead of trying to salvage something that will collect bacteria and cause illnesses.