FDA issues warning against this dangerous viral avocado storage hack

TikTok is one of the hottest platforms to go to if you are looking for food trends, awesome hacks as well as secret and surprising uses for everyday objects. People on the internet have been shocked by TikTok offerings such as viral yoghurt cluster recipe, or easy hacks to keep bananas fresh longer or even the revelation that we all might have been spreading butter wrong our whole lives.

The biggest issue with TikTok however is that not all of its tips and hacks come backed with scientific evidence, and while most TikTok content are not a life-and-death-matter, some of its hacks can land people in serious trouble.

As reported by Everyday Health, the FDA has come out to speak against a viral TikTok avocado storage hack, advising people never to do it unless they want to court some serious food poisoning risks.

Do not try this storage hack ever

Over the past couple of months, a hack for avocado storage has been doing the rounds on TikTok. The whole idea behind the hack is to store any leftover avocado halves in such a way, so as to keep it from going brown.

TikTokers advised people to dunk the avocado half in a container of water overnight, to ensure that it stays ripe and green even until the next day.

But according to FDA, this could have serious health repercussions. After the warning by the health authorities, creators such as @sydneyraz have come forward to retract the hack. The main reason why not to do it is: risks of pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella.

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Correct way to store avocados

FDA spokesperson Jannell Goodwin explains the dangers of storing avocado in water saying,

The main concern is the possibility that any residual human pathogens (such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella) that may be residing on the avocado's surface may potentially multiply during the storage when submerged in water.

Avocados turn brown when stored due to the process of oxidation, which is also seen in bananas and potatoes. Except for looking unsightly, there is nothing wrong with browned avocados!

If you want your avocados to last longer, you can squeeze some lime juice over the exposed parts of the fruit, and then store it in a plastic wrap. The citric acid slows down the oxidation process, keeping it looking fresh and delicious.

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Sources used:

Everyday Health: 'FDA Warns Against Risky New Avocado Trend'

TikTok: @sydneyraz