Misleading: Helicobacter Found in Bananas in UAE Markets
The Claim
A video depicts Helicobacter found in Somali bananas in the UAE markets.
News posted on
Emerging story
A video of a man opening up a banana to reveal a long thread or worm-like organism is going viral on social media. According to the claim, 500 tonnes of bananas from Somalia have arrived in Emirates markets, containing a fatally poisonous worm called Helicobacter.
Misbar’s Analysis
The claim was found to be false after an investigation by the Misbar team. Helicobacter, which is mentioned in the viral claim, is a bacteria, not a worm. Bacteria is widespread, affects two-thirds of the world's population, and is treatable. As a result, the worm's lethality is debunked.
In addition, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Authority stated that the "video contains false and misleading information" and that Helicobacter was a bacteria, not a worm. They also stated that worms do not complete their life cycle inside fruits as large as those depicted in the video.
Despite a thorough search, there were no reports of people finding worms in their bananas from credible news sources in the United Arab Emirates.
Despite a thorough search, there were no reports of people finding worms in their bananas from credible news sources in the United Arab Emirates. Although the video's original source could not be found, it is clear that it is misleading.
