Fact Check: Truth Behind Video Showing 'Worm' Inside Capsicum Revealed

Capsicum is one of the primary ingredients in many households. The vegetable, packed with the goodness of vitamins is used to prepare a wide variety of dishes. However, a shocking video of capsicum spread like wildfire on social media platforms. The clip shows a “deadly” worm curving its way out of capsicum after a woman sliced the vegetable in half. Many even opined that it was a type of venomous insect. But recent reports have dismissed such speculations.

The viral post was dropped on X (formerly Twitter) with a cautionary note that read, “Be careful before eating capsicum.” The video opened with a woman slicing a capsicum only to reveal a thread-like thin white worm. With a stick, she scooped out the insect and showed it to the viewers. The worm was seen wriggling on the table. Naturally, it sparked concern among the social media users.

Now, a report by AFP has debunked the claims. As per the outlet, doctors and researchers have assured the masses that the creature found inside the capsicum was not dangerous in any way. Maria Achinelly, an Argentinian Parasitology Association and a doctor by profession responded to the misleading posts and images stating that the worm was a type of parasite called nematomorpha aka roundworms.

As “free-living” creatures they reside in soil and water, reported AFP. Roundworms who majorly live in aquatic conditions or damp soil can even feed on plants or animals. “They are parasites that depend on insects and kill those that carry them,” added Maria Achinelly. He continued that roundworms can “parasite off” insects like scorpions, lobsters, cockroaches, and spiders. However, they pose no threat to humans and are “not dangerous to touch or ingest”. In fact, roundworms cannot even harm animals like birds or reptiles.

Parasite specialist Sixto Raul Costamagna also joined the discussion. He suggested people not to get alarmed by the worm and instead wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming. He, however, added that roundworms might cause allergies to some people.