A couple gained viral fame on TikTok after recounting an unpleasant incident involving a can of strawberry-vanilla Olipop soda.
In a video that received over 176,000 likes, Laine Bullinger describes an incident where her boyfriend Garrett drank strawberry-vanilla Olipop soda, only to realize it tasted strange. Bullinger poured some into a glass and discovered black fragments inside. To investigate further, Garrett cut the can in half and found its interior coated with a mysterious black substance.
The couple's has sparked about actions when foreign objects in food. Experts offer guidance on how to proceed in such cases.
Stay calm
Discovering something unpleasant like black residue, pests, or any other unappetizing matter in your food can be alarming, but there are practical steps you can follow.
"The top priority is to cease consumption immediately," advises Francisco Diez-Gonzalez, Ph.D., director and professor at the University of Georgia Center for Food Safety. "Then, return the item to the store where you purchased it." He suggests documenting the lot number and expiration date and retaining the receipt.
"Can you remove mold and still consume the bread loaf?"
If the issue concerns restaurant food, it's advisable to contact your local health department," Syers advises. Last year, the well-known New York City restaurant Gammeook was closed following a lawsuit where a couple alleged discovering a dead rat in their takeout soup."
When to think about consulting a doctor.
"If you experience 'significant symptoms' after consuming food contaminated with debris, Diez-Gonzalez suggests reaching out to a doctor." Depending on the issue with the product, various symptoms may arise post-consumption, he notes. "Food allergies often manifest symptoms quickly. In contrast, with issues like foodborne pathogens, symptoms can appear anywhere from hours to days after ingestion."
"If you fall ill after consuming a particular food and seek medical attention, the doctor is obligated to notify the local health department," explains Debora Miller, dean of culinary arts at Keiser University Tallahassee. "The health department typically does not investigate isolated incidents unless multiple cases of illness are reported," she adds.
Proving responsibility for food-related problems can be challenging, as there are numerous ways contaminants can enter or develop in food. This could range from insects entering a cereal box after it's been opened to a can receiving a small, nearly invisible puncture that allows mold to thrive. Additionally, some individuals may falsely assert that their food contains harmful substances.
Food safety experts advise that if you notice an issue with a food product, it's best to contact the manufacturer directly. However, if you're concerned about the potential for the product to pose a safety risk to others, Syers recommends reaching out to your local health department or the USDA.