I soaked my berries in salt water and saw these white wiggling things come out. Should I just throw them away?

Are the Berries Still Safe to Eat?

Here’s the part most people don’t expect:

In general, accidentally consuming these larvae is not considered harmful. They’re not toxic, and they don’t carry diseases that affect humans in this context.

That said, safety and comfort are two different things.

When You Should Throw Them Away

Even if they’re technically safe, there are times when tossing the berries is the better choice:

• If there are a lot of larvae visible
• If the fruit is overly soft, damaged, or leaking
• If the idea of eating them is simply too off-putting

Food should feel safe and enjoyable. If it doesn’t, it’s okay to let it go.

When You Can Keep Them

If you only notice a few and the berries are otherwise fresh:

• Rinse them thoroughly under running water
• Remove any damaged pieces
• Store them properly in the fridge

Some people choose to keep and eat them after cleaning, especially if the infestation is minimal.