Videos showing tiny white larvae emerging from strawberries soaked in salt water have gone viral, leaving many people wondering if their fruit is safe to eat. Experts say the small larvae are often the offspring of the **spotted wing drosophila**, a fruit fly that lays eggs inside ripening berries.

Unlike common fruit flies that target overripe fruit, this species can lay eggs in healthy, fresh berries while they are still growing. The salt-water method simply causes the tiny larvae to leave the fruit, making them visible.

Food safety experts say these larvae do not pose a health risk to humans and are considered a natural part of open-air farming. Regulatory agencies recognize that small amounts of harmless insect material can occur in fresh produce and set safety standards to ensure food remains safe for consumption.

To keep berries fresh and clean, experts recommend storing them in the refrigerator and rinsing them under cold running water just before eating. While salt-water or vinegar soaks can help remove debris, they are not necessary for food safety, and thoroughly washed berries remain safe to enjoy.