Videos showing tiny white larvae emerging from strawberries soaked in salt water have spread across social media, leaving many people worried about whether the fruit is safe to eat. Experts explain that the larvae are usually from the **spotted wing drosophila**, a fruit fly that lays eggs inside ripening berries before they are harvested.

Unlike common fruit flies that prefer overripe or damaged fruit, this species can lay eggs in fresh, healthy strawberries while they are still growing. This is why the larvae may already be inside the fruit before it reaches stores or homes.

The viral salt-water trick does not create the larvae. Instead, **”The salt-water method simply causes the tiny larvae to leave the fruit, making them visible.”** Without the salt soak, most people would never notice them because they are extremely small.
Food safety experts emphasize that **”these larvae do not pose a health risk to humans.”** They also explain that tiny amounts of harmless insect material can naturally occur in fresh produce grown outdoors, and food safety regulations recognize this as a normal part of farming.

To enjoy strawberries safely, experts recommend storing them in the refrigerator and rinsing them under cold running water just before eating. Although salt-water or vinegar soaks can help remove dirt or insects, they are not necessary for food safety, and properly washed strawberries remain safe to enjoy.